The Italian Game - Key Ideas, Concepts, Main Lines (15-Minute Chess Opening Series)

Major ideas and lines in the Italian Game for WHITE and BLACK. The Two Knight's Defense, Giuoco Piano, Fried Liver Attack, Traxler Counterattack, Na5 lines and Evans Gambit are covered.
Follow along with the video with this PGN:
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 (3... Nf6 4. Ng5 (4. d3) (4. Nc3 Nxe4 5. Nxe4 d5) 4... d5 (4... Bc5 5. Nxf7 (5. Bxf7+ Ke7) 5... Bxf2+ 6. Kxf2 Nxe4+) 5. exd5 Nxd5 (5... Na5 6. Bb5+ c6 7. dxc6 bxc6 8. Qf3 Be7 9. Bxc6+ Nxc6 10. Qxc6+ Bd7 11. Qf3 O-O) 6. Nxf7 Kxf7 7. Qf3+ Ke6) (3... Be7 4. O-O Nf6 5. Ng5 O-O 6. Nxf7 Rxf7 7. Bxf7+ Kxf7) 4. c3 (4. Nc3 Nf6 5. d3 d6 6. Bg5 h6 7. Bxf6 (7. Bh4 g5 8. Bg3) 7... Qxf6 8. Nd5 Qd8) (4. b4 Bxb4 5. c3 Ba5 6. d4) 4... Nf6 5. d4 exd4 6. cxd4 Bb4+ 7. Nc3 (7. Bd2 Bxd2+ (7... Nxe4 8. Bxb4 Nxb4 9. Bxf7+ Kxf7 10. Qb3+) 8. Nbxd2) 7... Nxe4 8. O-O Nxc3 (8... Bxc3 9. bxc3 (9. d5 Bf6 10. Re1 Ne7 11. Rxe4 O-O 12. Bg5 Bxg5 13. Nxg5 d6 14. Nxh7 Kxh7 15. Qh5+ Kg8 16. Rh4 f6) 9... d5) 9. bxc3 Bxc3 10. Qb3 Bxa1 11. Bxf7+ Kf8 12. Bg5 Ne7 13. Re1 *
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
1:57 - Be7 sideline
2:44 - Two Knight's Defense
3:28 - Fried Liver Attack
4:17 - Na5 (Polerio Defense)
6:00 - Quiet d3
6:38 - Traxler Counterattack
7:30 - Nc3?
8:35 - Giuoco Piano
8:52 - Quiet Nc3
9:56 - Evans Gambit
10:25 - Classical, c3 (Main Line)
14:29 - Summary
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[@babycakes2713]

Best openings video I've seen from any KZbinr. Don't be afraid to make them longer

[@taunon.9662]

Your 2 hour chess study video made me want to start playing chess. I am also subscribed to bigger chess channels, but your videos are much more inspiring and motivating.

[@cacilian4344]

One of the best opening videos, the classical variation really shows you how much chess has evolved built-on over time

[@andrewokr16]

Terrific overview of the opening most of us newer players most likely learn first. It's often said don't memorize openings (very true) but you'd be hard pressed to find a situation more frustrating than feeling like you're trapped behind your own pieces as a beginner. This is, BY FAR, the best quick overview of the basic strategic ideas behind the various lines in the Italian Game and what tactics to look for.

[@madisont3123]

this is most relevant opening video ive watched. all of the positions actually seemed familiar to me and im currently rated 932 for your reference

[@alexlaporta6393]

Thank you so much for this video, this is simply perfect for my level (I'm 1200ish ELO)! Have been looking for a good opening series on YT for ages, but only found overly complicated content that ends up discouraging someone who's approaching openings' study, love how you manage to stay linear and simple in the explanation while still introducing several variants, please keep doing this series

[@Deadeye1967]

I like that you teach both sides point of view as you go along in the video, other teachers just focus on one side's point of view. This is a very good video to get the basics of the Itlalian game and all the main variations, I'm much clearer now, I just need to remember the main ideas now.

[@donaldcreech7782]

Amazing video! Would love more of these of different openings. Especially French Defense and King's Gambit!

[@somerandomdudefes31]

I know there are bigger chess youtubers, but you're doing something special here. Keep it up.

[@c_legendofficial]

Hey Nelson! My request to you is that whenever you get time, can you make a similar 15 minute opening course for a offbeat opening against e4. I ask this because I am really tired of playing e5 in response to e4. I feel like I hand over the game completely to my opponent. Sometimes some of them play the kings gambit, Danish gambit, Vienna game, and what not. I would really like such a opening that surprises my opponents and gives me a upper hand. I feel like this would help many people struggling and frustrated like me. Thanks in advance. Take care.

[@mozesmarcus461]

1.) ... d5 (the scandinavian defense) might be exactly what you need: It's strange, offbeat and breaks the rules, but it works, even at top levels. 1.) ... c5 (the sicillian defense) is the No. 1 opening in top-level chess. It's very rich in theory, there are many courses about the sicillian, and it's just really solid. One problem: the ideas are incomprehensible for anyone under 1600. 1.) ... nf6 (Alekhines defense) is really rare, but it works at top level and might be what you need. Search it up, and see if you like it

[@prakyath2228]

Some other ideas, e6 French defense, but you will have to learn how pawn breaks work but it's a really solid opening C6 caro khan, similar to the French but you build up d5 with c6 instead of e6 and unlike the French you don't have the weakness of the light squared Bishop but you do have to deal with the 2v3 queen side minority G6 modern defense, a hyper modern opening where you fight for the center with the pieces and not pawns so you will have a bit of a space disadvantage in the beginning but a good attack later on, maybe hard for beginners and intermediate level players to understand

[@prateekchauhan6376]

Kings Indian defence or the Modern Defence is the most stable opening for black and if you play rapid then it can carry you upto 1200 easily

[@c_legendofficial]

@@mozesmarcus461 thx

[@c_legendofficial]

@@prakyath2228 thx

[@cactusdip4680]

Very useful video for me learning a lot of different openings to play 1...e5, thanks for such a helpful video! It's a shame this video doesn't have more views, I love how you covered this opening

[@kamnasharma6143]

Oh damn it! Been waiting for a series like this! Top notch Hanging Pawns content! I don't think many of us will mind even on a 30 mins series, if you're free to do them. Anyhow, thanks for the series!

[@toastbrot97]

I was literally looking up lines for the italian game a couople hours ago. I was actually looking for responses for black this is still immensely helpful!

[@andygoh8681]

What a champ ! Effortless and yet, terrific videos

[@jjelf2]

Best chess channel on KZbin brother. Been following you since you started. You'll pop soon my friend. Get ready for this

[@afgnshha]

Love to see how the channel has grown! Keep posting bro, good stuff

[@onlyapawn4371]

Great video for covering the basics of an opening. I'm more of a Vienna guy with white but deffo gonna try the Evans gambit next time i get chance and see how that goes for me. Also really enjoyed the way you explained the anti fried liver thing where you put your knight on the rim tp attack the light squared bishop. I feel I've been missing that move.

[@TheLonelyNihilego]

The timing of this video is impeccable

[@jonbbbb]

This video is so nice. I really like how you cover ideas for both sides! And the historical evolution of lines is fascinating.

[@jonbbbb]

Oh a followup video I would be interested in is how to use the open lines you mentioned in the Na5 (Polerio Defense) chapter. I've been in that position many times, but it's hard for me to use the open lines well enough to make up for the pawn deficit. Maybe it would be relevant to some other openings as well like the Danish Gambit... so the idea wouldn't be a single opening but the general approach to sacrificing pawns for openness.

[@roblodocus2539]

The traxler was the first ever opening I learned lines for and I still use it today. Lot of fun but even at my level people often take with the bishop.

[@kevinwalden4288]

Love the instructional ones man!

[@sergeyk9060]

My fav type of content on this channel!

[@BusyB07]

Excellent introductory video thank you!

[@sabr77]

Great video, Nelson. Thanks!

[@c_legendofficial]

Haven't yet watched the video but I know it's gonna be 🔥🔥

[@robologo]

First 30 seconds I already see something I want to try. Thanks.

[@lstump4482]

Thank you, need to learn some theory on these popular lines and this definitely helped!

[@tanderalone]

And I thought I finally got an opening learned 😢 back to square one 😭 thanks awesome vid

[@jimland7176]

I'm getting back into it after a long time and love these videos. Found your channel from the Vienna Gambit which a computer played against me. I didn't know what I played was even called an Italian Game, but this has always been my opening as white.

[@ChessVibesOfficial]

Welcome aboard!

[@chessforfunonly1586]

15 minute opening lessons is an excellent concept! Can you do these on Colle, London system, Scotch, English, KIA, Modern defense, Hippo? Thank you very much, Nelsi!

[@yinyangthang]

Outstanding presentation.

[@MrPatrikPass]

thank you for the great explanatory video

[@Miesko1]

This is one of the only openings i know because it's so simple (i just started playing)

[@GodOfFrog]

Please do more of these! Really helpful for 1200’s

[@Texan_Ranger]

I like your guides, especially the consistent daily uploads that provide insightful, interesting and enjoyable content for all! Keep it up!

[@GarySlegg]

A really interesting video, thanks for posting

[@yashtrivedi7271]

Keep 'em coming sir. ❤❤

[@johnknight9150]

If you're playing the Giuco Pianissimo, you can send the knight to g5 if you move the pawn to d3, which opens up support for the knight from the queenside bishop. It also supports the bishop on c4. Later on in the game, if you move the f pawn to f3, you get that cool pawn pyramid, which is really cool defensively, and also for hanging your pieces off with the zillions of pawn diagonals for support.

[@tfosss8775]

Excellent video! May we request a follow-up, how to play against Italian as black: Rousseau, Lucchini, And Ponziani-Steinitz gambits. Thank you.

[@jessestern]

Your videos are so great and instructive! Sorry about your loss today in Texas vs Marshall NYC. :/ In Italian, Giuoco Piano = "JOE-co"

[@BobChess]

Thanks for good information. It is my time to beat opponents with Italy game.

[@princejoeokechukwu5]

Interesting video!

[@Ammar-Farid-2007]

11:37 the better move is Ba3 actually (rather than Qb3) just pointing out Also in the classical variation (c3) there is the move e5! which is slightly better than cxd4

[@yaboithunder5608]

My fav opening lets go 🎉

[@travisglysson9087]

Such a cool video

[@jotarokujo7955]

In this position I always play Fried Liver and Evans gambit with white. These are the 2 position that I like to play and feel more confortable with

[@spghose2437]

If black stands in a5 then who will save c2 if i jump to d3! plz help

[@lopahouse9669]

What about e5 instead of cxd4 after exd4? It has a better win rate because the opponent needs to play the only move d5 after that and leads to very interesting lines too.

[@priapus56]

Any chance of any more 15 minute opening videos...so good.

[@pharaohthepoet7]

Great video. And the Italian Game is an opening I play. So this is fantastic for me. But I'm having a technical problem. I've been trying to copy and paste the pgn text. And it's not working. So how can I get it?

[@rondid]

Great Job Nelson as always! Is this the beginning of a new serie? If it's not asking too much I would really appreciate 15 min on the Ruy Lopez. Have a good day!

[@jenaze3180]

Perfect

[@raoulpapancea3065]

Please do more opening vids

[@tempo5606]

more of these please

[@Malcolm.Y]

I can play p-d3 for a quiet game? Is quiet game anything like a giucoc piano lol

[@edwinsuarez4949]

Hello Nelson, hope you're fine, I can't find your video on your recommendation against the quiet d3, I like the response d5 but can't seem to find the video anywhere, could you help me please?

[@rjaffern]

Thanks!

[@ChessVibesOfficial]

Thank you Randall!

[@Redbirds1100]

you are so awesome.

[@joewest2560]

What's wrong with pawn to h6? It still stops the knight advance, it gives the king a backrank out and leaves bishop and knight options open. I'm no chess expert, I'm about 1625 on lichess at age72 I was 1780, play a few times a week, but now I analyze a position then forget what I had just specifically considered and make stupid moves directly after discounting them. Memory failing senior moments abound, but I always play the pawn move, it seems so obvious to me.

[@sebbyh9764]

As an Italian player this is good for me

[@paulwilbur7228]

Great video. The all mighty Jerome gambit wasn't covered? I understand, some techniques are too deadly to be taught.

[@Anikin3-]

a whole video about the italian game and he didnt even say jerome once

[@lammatt]

how about instead of b4 the evans gambit, is playing a3 first and then b4 good?

[@stag6161]

a3 would give black time to play a5, a3 and a6 are very telegraphic moves b4 right away surprises black because they might be in non aggressive development mode and try to keep their bishop in the center, the counter for the evens gambit is to put a knight on the edge either on h6 after Qb3 or Na5 after d4

[@Anshpandey069]

5:15 whatt if queen comes d7

[@smoothiewrld999]

15 minute video and not a minute for my boy jerome

[@kalinkolev7617]

In one of the lines, when black forks the bishop an the knight with d5, white should play Bd3 and it is a knight and a pawn for a knight and a pawn and the game goes on

[@Orange45ajfi]

„You castle and you are playing chess“ i love this guy

[@muralidharanv9634]

Make more such opening videos

[@GodOfFrog]

Nelson, how long did it take you to become an NM

[@U570]

Cool video, but I suggest you review your "Giuoco Piano" 's pronunciation xD

[@itspoppymax]

Earlier than normal!

[@jeremytimothy8205]

Hey nelson! You forgot From Ng5 There is a tactic called the dark knight gambit and its Nxe4

[@ChessPuzzles2]

11:34 the Greco attack

[@Ishbikes]

Dude, it seemed like you gave black more information than you gave white.

[@christopherstokes9393]

There's also 3...Nd4?! Not a very good move, but the thing to remember is: *don't* *take* *the* *'free'* *pawn* (just castle or take the knight instead).

[@iceyroo]

Do a Ruy Lopez opening video!

[@billcook4768]

Nelson doesn’t say it explicitly, but I will. Don’t dabble in the Italian game. If you don’t know a lot of theory and your opponent does, you will get your ass kicked. It’s a fun way to play, and a window into the swashbuckling chess days of yore, just know what you are doing.

[@TheOilcan5]

you showed 3 lines but you forgot one,, bishop takes f7

[@haio7710]



[@jotarokujo7955]

Juoko Piano is the right pronunciation 🙂

[@SpamMC]

Pls do the Hungarian

[@j.murugan1117]

I new to chess man

[@amsajid5629]

When black decided to he will do 2 Knight def i have shift to nackmanson gambit when he fall the trap victory is mine😂

[@reubenmanzo2054]

Something my brother does a lot in this position is he'll play d3, then Bg5.

[@mozesmarcus461]

Kick that bishop out with 5.) a6.

[@reubenmanzo2054]

@@mozesmarcus461 And bishop takes queen.

[@mozesmarcus461]

@@reubenmanzo2054 Oh, so you're playing as black. Then you do 5.) Nf6. I didn't pull up a board,so that last comment was just ignorant of the situation

[@reubenmanzo2054]

@@mozesmarcus461 Ok. 1) e4, e5 2) Nf3, Nc6 3) Bc4, Bc5 4) d3 And his next move will be Bg5, attacking the queen.

[@s1nn1ck]

Very good video, I am a fan. You must work on your Italian though.

[@chriscross7895]

Coming from a beginner I’m totally lost because you’re simultaneously trying to teach what black and white should do. It would be great to have a separate video on Italian game defence if you are black and not have it in the same video because a beginner brain can only absorb so much lol.

[@Deadeye1967]

That is what I like , it's better to know what both sides can do. This video is for 1000-1500 he mentioned.

[@szihamidt6611]

Only 7 likes? 😨

[@madara2887]

I thought this was “how to play the Italian” not “how to play against the Italian” 😭

[@frankojudoka]

Traxler is risky for black.

[@justagerman140]

Giuoco is pronounced like joke-o :)

[@WhosBean]

It's pronounced "Joko piAno". It's italian for "soft game"

[@tl9223]

Basically don’t bother with the Italian opening as white

[@georgehavrincea9258]

Gioko? Bwahaha. It's pronounced 'gjwwohhocoohhh' piano and it means ' slow game' in Italian

[@ScottySkilz1]

1st

[@Paul-vd8ek]

Stop eating so many cheeseburgers you mouth sound maker

[@mattgiguere5638]

Thank you Teacher Nelson....F.C.O Best Chess Book I've ever bought! 100 % recomend this book! PERIOD ♟💋GREAT VID.Hope you and yours are blessed.

[@rjaffern]

Thanks!

[@ChessVibesOfficial]

You bet!

[@user-cj8bh3eo2p]

Thanks!

[@ChessVibesOfficial]

Thanks, William!