Learn the Italian Game in 20 Minutes [Chess Opening Crash Course]

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🔹 Hidden line in the Italian Game | Crushing Chess Opening for White - • Hidden line in the Ita...
🔹 4 Ways to PUNISH Bg5 Pin on Your Knight (Tactically & Strategically) - • 4 Ways to PUNISH Bg5 P...
In this video lesson, GM Igor Smirnov gives you a quick crash course on one of the most popular chess openings, the Italian Game, which happens after the following moves: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4.
You will learn the general opening theory, guidelines, key ideas, attacking plans, common errors, and some cool traps. Instead of just memorizing the opening moves, you will learn and understand the key ideas and purpose of each move.
▬▬▬▬▬▬
► Chapters
00:00 Italian Game Chess Opening [Ideas & Plans]
00:24 Why 3.Bc4? Don't memorize moves, understand the opening
01:18 Giuoco Piano, 4.c3
03:34 Pawn sacrifice for a winning attack
04:32 Can you find the winning move for White?
05:00 If White plays 5.d4
06:55 If White plays 5.d3
09:07 Black plays 5...d6, Classical Variation, Giuoco Pianissimo
10:10 If Black delays castling 6...0-0 and plays 6...a6
11:43 Creating an escape square for the c4-bishop
12:33 Most common error by White (DON'T make this mistake)
14:34 If Black plays Bg4, pinning your knight
17:01 Building up the kingside attack
18:46 Summary & Conclusion
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#IgorNation #ItalianGame #ChessOpenings #ChessOpening

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

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[@wangdibhutia3662]

Ji

[@orvilesaddul6805]

Aaazzdlelp2s

[@tonybeatbutcher]

4:47 fork check D6 Bishop to king and queen, black cannot trade because of checkmate.

[@Stabber85]

Winning move at 4:42 is Bishop takes d6 with checkk, king has no legal moves so Queen is forced to take the Bishop and stop defending f7 leading to Qf7#

[@aniketmane6232]

Bingo!

[@karibo6468]

I could never find this move. 😊

[@jackskura923]

I saw that combo immediately! A few months ago probably not. Watching these videos has really paid off. Igor is the best instructor.

[@dannycragel9686]

But what if queen doesn't capture bishop on d6 and just moved to d7? Would Rf to e1 be the follow up?

[@karibo6468]

@@dannycragel9686 Queen can't move to d7. It can move to e7 though but then Qf7 is mate. Another move for black is Ne7 which still loses to Qf7#

[@decioaulocamillo2748]

Hello Grandmaster, Giuoco Piano in actual italian means "slow game" but in 1500's italian means something different. "Piano" comes from latin "planus" that means also "clear" "uniform" "simple to understantand". Probably the correct translation of "giuoco piano" is not "slow game" but "standard game". Thanks for your channel, i love it.

[@ajcon3874]

if you’re under 1000 this IS the standard opening.

[@UnfitRuler]

No its slow and it shows with its parent variation, gioco pianissimo, where pianissimo means very slow

[@BO55N355]

Thanks for the info. Never made any sense to me why it was called the "quiet game"

[@isaakvandaalen3899]

Italian game has been with me since the very beginning, love this opening it has given me some of my favourite attacking combinations I've ever played. I never studied a ton of theory but just through playing I've encountered many of these ideas before. Playing d5 in the Greco variation before retaking the Bishop is an interesting improvement on what I know, maybe I'll give that a go next time I decide I want violence on the board.

[@chadhalsell6308]

Excellent Course! Thank you!

[@ermanevcil]

Thank you, very good tutorial !

[@sampritmodak7577]

that was a great video... i have not seen such well explained video anywhere

[@franciscamarin6676]

Thanks a lot!! Also for the Masterclass 👏

[@temnamocpsychologie]

Dear Grandmaster Igor, thank you so much for providing such valuable content for free. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

[@Cousinsjay]

Excellent overview

[@EMDS04]

4:35 I'm not sure but is it bishop takes on d6 check Queen takes bishop Queen f7#

[@Chessworld-bd2mb]

very well explaination

[@PixelatedDude]

also is the answer Bxd6+

[@shitholeworld]

Looks like it, but I didn't see it.

[@chriseatsrice4885]

Yes if the queen takes it is checkmate in 1

[@jayvernjaneshalvijayananmo7803]

Yes super, I found it too

[@ricedolphin7348]

Yes, earlier we sacrificed a whole rook so the winning of this position should be either queen or checkmate, and this move does both depending on what opponent does

[@lukasbruderlin2723]

@@chriseatsrice4885 the Queen needs to take it 😂 because it is check

[@uthoshantm]

I am a 800 level player. I get screwed by bad openings and have such a hard time memorizing all of this. The principles are understood but it's a lot to absorb to avoid falling into common traps right at the beginning of the game.

[@konstantinalpatov1221]

I'm also a ~800 player. What helped me get started and feel more comfortable is the understanding of the basics: controlling the center, developing pieces with first moves, castling, pairing rooks. From that onwards it's just a matter of whether you want to study the opening or just learn it by playing numerous games. The first one is by far the most effective, but might be boring at times, while the second one is definitely a time killer, but a fun one. I guess you need a balance of those two, but I just stick to the second one and have fun playing with friends.

[@folieadeux147]

Most traps are just tactical ideas so do a bunch of puzzles to work on that aspect of your game. I’m 1300 online and have been playing with a couple of my IRL friends. One is an 800 like you and learns by playing online games. Our record is 19-2-0 which actually isn’t too bad considering the massive elo difference. But I usually catch him repeatedly with the same ideas like discover attacks, knight reroutes, the good ole fork setup by seemingly giving away a piece, etc. The other hasn’t reached his peak rating since he just picked up chess a couple months ago. He does a shitload of puzzles and plays against stockfish to hammer out his openings. Doesn’t really play rated games too often. When I play him, he feels like he’s 1000+ easily and he can see a lot of the traps I set because of how many puzzles he’s spammed.

[@THaNaS1s]

As an 800 i think the Italian is way too complicated. I am 1350 online and still i probably shouldn't even be studying this. Learn the London maybe, some carro can, 4 knights, the defense to the fried liver and then maybe the Italian

[@fossiltortoise]

I’m 800 and don’t;t usually fall for tactical traps but stupid openings do throw me off.

[@Martin_Ditzel]

Puzzle @ 4:40 solution: Bxd6+, attacking the Queen & King! Only-move: opponent-Queen moves off the seventh rank to capture the (checking) Bishop; then, my Queen to f7#.

[@EternalSilverDragon]

4:40 1. Bxd6+ Qxd6 (or Qe7 or Ne7) 2. Qf7#

[@arshdhillon4934]

Thank you igor you are very inspiring

[@Zimcautions_a2]

Thank you grand master it worked

[@angelovaldez7503]

Great video !

[@stevensutton2252]

Hey Grandmaster Igor! could you do inverted reverse prismo video? for Black and showing the effectiveness for black to take a white setup!

[@V_ChessGuy]

Bxd6+ Qxd6 Qf7# Deflection sacrifice

[@MrGamGamer]

I'm going to try this

[@sidneylutara9786]

This Video is so important. Thx Igor. 🙏🏽

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

You're welcome

[@gardeningwithkbloom317]

Very informative video Ive been using this opening for 2 years im rated over 1000 now 👍

[@user-wr4hb1sj8g]

Thank you so much Igor! This video has helped me a lot. I think I prefer d3 instead of d4 as I don't really like to give up pawns. I like quiet games that aren't too wild.

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Yes, you can play like that as well.

[@Ardy_Visser]

Such an elegant opening. I cant stop playing it.

[@oceancolt]

Awesome video

[@efthorpe]

Great video and perfect timing. I have decided to start playing the Italian again. I have a much better understanding of the theory after watching this. Thank you!!!!

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Have fun!

[@foxyplayz_sl3633]

p

[@foxyplayz_sl3633]

😊😊😊😊😊

[@asylantragqled4270]

Incredible Video

[@effiongjay373]

Wow I'm new in chess. I've really find it frustrating playing the game because I really do not understand how to calculate my moves. But with your channel I feel quite confident. I will start trying out these moves. Thank a lot.

[@geniusraze7232]

same bruh

[@Natejt1]

you improved since then?

[@landonbohinc8146]

“ Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Jesus loves you all✝️

[@desert4seat]

@@landonbohinc8146 Jesus can help with Chess?

[@palazuelos9650]

Thanks for lesson Master

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

You're welcome

[@PixelatedDude]

epic i love the italian and now i have more knowledge on it thanks Igor!

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

👍

[@jefferyrandall8030]

I never knew any other variation than the Guicoo Piano main line. Thanks for the help. Also, could you do a lesson on the greek gift please?

[@timwilson9948]

I love this opening! Thank you!!!

[@desert4seat]

me too.

[@georgbalzereit8952]

Hey Igor, nice video!!! Do you think you could create a nice one with Evans Gambit for white players? It would be really cool!!!!

[@michaelmassaro4375]

Great breakdown of the Italian game and possible play by play of the pieces which are the better moves and not so good ones can only help to learn something I probably did not know Thanks Igor more power to you

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@svfox]

I play some indian who does this exact position every time as white.......its the only line he knows

[@desert4seat]

@@svfox interesting. How does it work for him so far?

[@brianmcdonnell2466]

Excellent lesson. I started playing the Italian after reading Kaufman's book. It was great to hear some of the game planning and thought processes one should have in different positions- used it to take a nice win this AM in Blitz. Thank you, sir!

[@DocPod344]

Hi thanks for your content. Just a suggestion, make the background color behind your cam dark instead of white, so it’s less strain on the eyes

[@salvadormartinha5897]

Really great video! Learned a lot from it and will correct the mistakes I was making with my number one opening. Thank you :D

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Great!

[@user-gw4iq4ep7r]

love u sir!!

[@kokohbagaitebing7565]

Great lesson 👍

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Thanks! 😃

[@user-dk9pi9kg1l]

great video 😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@Yutube1]

4:46 I think the best move is Bxd6+. It is check to the king and also attacking c7 Queen. Then black has only two options Qxd6 or Qe7. If Qxd6 played, f7 square has no defender. so white just simply plays Qf7 checkmate. if Qe7 played white just play Bxe7+ to take black's queen. Then black's only move is Kxe7. Because if knight takes e7 bishop, white can play Qf7 checkmate. Then white plays Rxa1 and get huge material advantage and win the game

[@EternalSilverDragon]

The first move was right. As well as the two options for Black you mentioned, there is also blocking the check with the knight, Ne7. Whichever option Black plays, White's next move is always Qf7#. If Black chose to block the bishop check with the queen, Qe7, then that queen no longer defends f7 because it's pinned to the king by the bishop on d6.

[@Yutube1]

@@EternalSilverDragon oh, I forgot about that pin... thanks a lot!

[@zedarmy4444]

Great

[@shalakabhosale7044]

GREAT 👍

[@nightfuryderanged1858]

4:44 Bxd6+ ‼️ Two tactics involved First one which is obvious, double attack to the king and queen Now the second one, which is not so obvious to all people, is the DEFLECTION TACTIC! See, using the 1st option of black: Qxd6, then the black queen leaves the 7th rank, specifically the f7 square UNPROTECTED ... And therefore, white will play Qf7# Now using black's 2nd option: Qe7 or Ne7 Same move like before, Qf7# But wait! Can't the black queen on e7 take the white queen on f7? No it can't, why? Because it is PINNED to the king because of our bishop on d6. And so I believe that's the full solution to the puzzle!

[@makum_otaku]

Thanks, I was looking for the full explanation 🤝

[@sanjay1776]

4:44 bd6+ queen takes bishop qf7 checkmate

[@WizarD.....]

You are best🖤

[@onkarlaldevara8020]

Best KZbin channel

[@akshnarwani]

Really enjoyed learning from you 🙏

[@Unknown-pb3km]

Rating??

[@desert4seat]

@@Unknown-pb3km 900

[@valin4120]

I’m a beginner and I Love your videos. I watch them over and over. I’m wondering if you could do a video over what to do when somebody refuses your gambit such as the mengarini, englund, or Evans gambits? I seem to get in trouble when they don’t take what I have offered.

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Noted. That said, when your opponent doesn't accept a gambit (and therefore you're not down in material), it's less challenging for you.

[@ohyeahohyeah1071]

Is there any chance you have a discord server where it's possible to hang out with other chess players and discuss ideas?

[@user-eg3wn3lb7p]

Bxd6!!!! Brilliant!

[@ZDTF]

My go to person for every opening Theres not a single opening I wanted to learn and you didnt have it Ive learnt like 11 openings from you Thanks

[@bladmorane7613]

GREAT STUFF FOR NOW REALITY !!!!!!!!

[@adarshbalavenkatesh]

Awesome Video Sir😁

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Thanks 😃

[@apeejaychess]

Bxd6!! Brilliant move pinning the queen and threatening checkmate because the queen is pinned so it is checkmate and also winning the queen

[@hiddencabbage559]

Great video. I've really found that nobody at my level retreats the bishop after the pin though. They trade out for the knight. This video doesn't cover options if that happens. Please cover these lines!

[@sad2rc]

I've been playing italian game for 3 months that I started chess and I feel like compared to other some common openings finding the right move in italian really is a bummer and definitely italian is not beginner friendly yet many chess teachers teaches it first or second

[@ZachPlaysChess]

Broooo I’ve been playing the Italian So wrong LOL I would play the Italian with the Fixed position, bringing my other Knight out, and now seeing this video not even completely through I Realize how Ignorant I was on the Italian. Ty for showing us this, for me this has completely changed how I see the opening, and I will try to incorporate this into my games. Other than A couple Gambits and the English the Italian is the only opening I use with White so this has opened my eyes.

[@mustwatchlive]

I started off playing the Italian game this vid makes want to go back to it

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Best of luck!

[@thomashightower7881]

The Fried Liver Attack is what really got me into chess openings. Naturally, the Italian Game is the base from which I can serve that Liver.

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

😎

[@BasantaJoshi-mu6di]

11:42 Bxf7+ and after black king takes they lose castling rights, then win back the material with b4 forking knight and bishop of black? No actual material gain but black’s king is stuck in the centre until black can manually castle? Idk if this is bad though.

[@sadmanshafin2893]

After moving the Night in h4, what about the king moving to h8 (un pinning the king, and if white wants to take the blacks bishop the line for rook is opened. And there is nothing to do for white). What do we do now?

[@mujaddidmaruf1707]

Nice backup

[@eclecticexplorer7828]

The winning move at 4:40 is Bxd6+. Black has three possible moves: Qxd6, Ng7, and Qe7 all of which are followed by Qf7 mate.

[@kiyaansworld]

04:45 - ba3 x d6 Check, Black is forced to take the Bishop with the Queen (Qc7 x bd6) and next move Queen f7 mate

[@pakasokoste]

I love this video! Do you have or if not would you please do a crash course on the CaroKann? Much appreciated awesome content.

[@ronnierefil5170]

I always watching your video

[@sumantakumardutta986]

Thank you😊😀 This was really helpful❤ Please make such a crash course on the Pirc Defence🙏

[@otter638]

I don’t understand why after white Qb3 setting up with white Bishop why black can’t counter with Kta5 threatening both white Qand B?

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

I'm glad to know it was useful. Ok, I'll consider it for future videos.

[@YukiPrefire]

First game trying this after watching , 92.2 accuracy 😄

[@nhatthehuman6691]

Hi Igor, at 12:13, can i play a3 instead of a4 so b4 in the future sounds promising ?

[@JudeTheDudeMarquez]

12:52 could you save the night on f3 for the pawns, so you keep the pin on the Queen? If not can someone explain why

[@user-sh5hj2cl8b]

Wow, u teached this better than any creator

[@MichaelClerk-xd6ft]

Fantastic video, thanks!!

[@darshansaini8264]

Winning move at 4:46 is Bxd6 deflecting the Queen.

[@ronnydragon2211]

4:40 bd6 forks king and queen since queen capturing will blunder mate (though after you take the queen it’s mate anyway)

[@chess-om]

Hi I'm Omar I'm from Egypt I like this a video ، Is it possible in the next videos to slow down the conversation because I do not understand English fluently Thank you ❤️

[@oceancolt]

4:44 guessing Bxe3+, opponent's queen must take, then you checkmate with friendly queen? Lemme know if right

[@tobymurphy6744]

Hey Igor, at 5:50 Would you be able to cover a video on all the traps if they don't make that bishop check? Its a very common error I notice as I'm only intermediate and I feel like because if that it would be very useful for a lot of players as it's played more than the main line from my experience!

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Ok, I'll consider it. Generally, both 7.e5 and 7.d5 are pretty strong for White. From the practical standpoint, the easiest could be 7.e5-Ne4 8.00-00 9.Bd5! winning Black's knight.

[@rudradevsingh228]

Have you made a video on the Steiner variation of French Defense? It's not well covered, and you are a great coach. Hopefully someone responds

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

I don't think I covered this particular variation. Nevertheless, I've recorded a number videos about French: www.youtube.com/@GMIgorSmirnov/search?query=French

[@user-wr4hb1sj8g]

Igor, what should I do if black plays Qf6 instea of Nf6 to prevent d4? Do I just keep developing my pieces?

[@prithwimanmazumdar4706]

@GMIgorSmirnov just love your videos 🙏❤, but I would like to know the line where after White plays Qb3 at 8:05 what if Black plays Na5 attacking the queen and italian bishop. Wouldn't that be bad for white as white would have to give up the italian bishop ? 🤔🤔🤔 Can you please make a video covering this line ?

[@user-qv4mm6bx2b]

Don't pin if the king is not yet castled, but in the white example the king was castled and the pin was still bad, cause was not supported by other piece so I understand that every situation is different but like basic rule don't pin if not castled and even if castled pin will be good if you have other piece to support it ??i will appreciate your answer on this very much Mr. Igor thank you very much!

[@feanaaro8652]

"giuoco piano" and "giuoco pianissimo do not mean "quiet game" and "very quiet game". This is a common misconception in English speaking chess content, likely coming from a 1996 English book quoted by wikipedia. But that book was just wrong. "Piano" can mean "quiet", but as an adverb, thus "quietly" (thus "piano" and "pianissimo" in music, because the meaning is "play quietly!" or "play very quietly", as an order that the conductor gives to the orchestra, or the notation to the conductor. As an adjective, as it is here relative to the noun "game", "piano" means "plain". So, "plain game" and "very plain game" is the correct translation.

[@GhazarYaohBanLoay]

4:40 you force the Queen to take by checkin with the dark square bishop (Bxd6)

[@Testybuds]

Great explanation sry brilliant explanation 😁☺️

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

🙏

[@plantman6245]

Amazing channel for us chess novices. Thank you 😀👏

[@stag6161]

3...Bc5 4.c3 Nf6 5.d3 d6 6. 0-0 a6 The reason white can caslte and allow Bg4 where as black should avoid 0-0..Bg5 is because black doesn't have Nbd7 to support the other knight and has to push the pawns to break the pin

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Thanks for the add-on!

[@VIKINGHUN]

Re1 threatening mate.... Thank you...

[@blue-fg6wu]

Italian game is my favourite opening by far

[@B17MIKE]

Where can I find the free master class? Thanks!

[@malincronborn6065]

Why would black bishop symmetrically respond to white bishop to b5?

[@BobChess]

There are tactics everywhere. So tricky

[@Fotopoulo]

i think that at the creating an escape square for the c4-bishop it would be better to push the b pawn to b4 attacking the bishop and also now the kight cant go a5 what is your opinion?

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Yes, often it's a good idea for White indeed.

[@squadshots_shorts6095]

Hey Igor nice video but can White play Qa4preventing exchange at ,11:37

[@palazuelos9650]

Sportivo Ameliano>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Cerro Porteño

[@otakuinmyheart9422]

4:42 the winning move is sacrificing the bishop to d6 then black Qxd6 Then white queen to f7 checkmate

[@otter638]

If Qb3 with Bc4 controlling white diagonal then why can’t black simply play Kt to a5 threatening white Q and Bishop?

[@nc1609]

4:43 Bxd6+ Forks the King and Queen, if Qxd6 then Qxf7# is mate.