Italian: Giuoco Pianissimo 3...Bc5 4.c3 Nf6 5.d3 is variation 1 of 6 in the 1.e4 e5 for Black course, a intermediate opening course for Black (ECO C53). It runs 20 moves and begins 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Nf6 …. White builds slowly with c3 and d3. Black mirrors with ...d6, gives the bishop a safe retreat with ...a6 and ...Ba7, castles and keeps a solid e5 point. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. e4 – White takes the centre.
1... e5 – Black claims an equal share of the centre and frees the f8 bishop and queen.
2. Nf3 – White develops and attacks e5.
2... Nc6 – Defends e5 while developing a piece toward the centre.
3. Bc4 – The Italian: the bishop aims at f7.
3... Bc5 – Develops actively and mirrors White's bishop, pointing at f2.
4. c3 – White prepares d4 to build a big centre and kick the c5 bishop.
4... Nf6 – Develops with an attack on e4, so White cannot calmly play d4.
5. d3 – White protects e4 and keeps the position closed and slow.
5... d6 – Supports e5 and opens the c8 bishop.
6. O-O – White castles.
6... a6 – Gives the c5 bishop a retreat on a7, so White's b4 or d4 cannot trap or chase it with tempo.
7. a4 – White gains queenside space and stops ...b5.
7... Ba7 – The bishop steps back before White can hit it with b4 or d4; on a7 it still eyes f2.
8. Re1 – White supports e4 and prepares Nbd2-f1-g3.
8... O-O – Black castles into safety.
The lesson goes on for 4 more moves, each with its explanation.
chessGM