Italian: Two Knights 4.Ng5 d5 5.exd5 Na5 is variation 2 of 6 in the 1.e4 e5 for Black course, a intermediate opening course for Black (ECO C59). It runs 24 moves and begins 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Ng5 d5 …. White attacks f7 with Ng5. Black blocks with ...d5, and after exd5 plays ...Na5 to chase the c4 bishop. Black gives a pawn but gets fast development and an active game. 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 the centre.
2. Nf3 – White develops and attacks e5.
2... Nc6 – Defends e5 and develops.
3. Bc4 – The Italian bishop aims at f7.
3... Nf6 – The Two Knights: Black counterattacks e4 instead of copying White.
4. Ng5 – White attacks f7 twice, with knight and bishop.
4... d5 – The main defence: Black blocks the c4 bishop's diagonal to f7.
5. exd5 – White takes, attacking nothing yet but opening lines toward f7.
5... Na5 – The best move: the knight hits the c4 bishop so it can no longer support Nxf7.
6. Bb5+ – White keeps the bishop and checks.
6... c6 – Black blocks and hits the d5 pawn and the b5 bishop at once.
7. dxc6 – White takes the pawn.
7... bxc6 – Black recaptures toward the centre and opens the b-file; Black is a pawn down but ahead in development.
8. Be2 – The bishop retreats to safety.
8... h6 – Kicks the g5 knight away from its attacking post.
The lesson goes on for 8 more moves, each with its explanation.
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