4.d3: the quiet Italian is variation 3 of 6 in the Two Knights Defence course, a beginner opening course for Black (ECO C55). It runs 24 moves and begins 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. d3 Be7 …. White avoids sharp play with 4.d3. Black develops calmly, castles, and then gains queenside space with ...Na5, ...a6, ...b5 and ...c5. It is a slow game where good plans matter more than tactics. 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.
2. Nf3 – White develops and attacks e5.
2... Nc6 – Black defends e5.
3. Bc4 – The bishop aims at f7.
3... Nf6 – The Two Knights Defence: Black attacks e4.
4. d3 – White defends e4 calmly and avoids sharp lines.
4... Be7 – A calm, solid move. Black gets ready to castle.
5. O-O – White castles.
5... O-O – Black castles too.
6. Re1 – The rook supports the e4 pawn.
6... d6 – Black supports e5 and opens the c8 bishop.
7. c3 – White prepares d4 and makes room for the bishop on c2.
7... Na5 – Black chases the c4 bishop, White's best attacking piece.
8. Bb5 – White keeps the bishop. It will go to a4 and then to c2.
8... a6 – Black attacks the bishop again.
The lesson goes on for 8 more moves, each with its explanation.
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