Practice the Italian Game

The line

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Nf6 5. d3 d6 6. O-O O-O 7. Bg5

Your moves, explained

1. 1. e4 Controls d5 and f5, sets the stage for Nf3 and Bc4.
2. 2. Nf3 Attacks e5 and gets ready to castle.
3. 3. Bc4 F7 is only guarded by the king, your bishop will threaten it all game.
4. 4. c3 D4 next hits Black's bishop and pawn, launching your attack.
5. 5. d3 You postpone d4 until you are castled and comfortable.
6. 6. O-O Now you can push d4 on your own terms without exposing your king.
7. 7. Bg5 The pin ties down Black's best defender of the center and of f7.

Key moments in the video

• 0:24 Italian starts here
• 0:29 Develop, attack e5
• 0:34 Bishop eyes f7
• 1:22 Prep the d4 thrust
• 2:04 Black must fight back
• 5:19 Quiet Italian chosen
• 9:16 Black solidifies center
• 9:27 Castle before attacking
• 9:34 Black castles too
• 9:38 The f6 pin appears

Want the theory behind it? Read our Italian Game guide.

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Italian Game?

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Nf6 5. d3 d6 6. O-O O-O 7. Bg5. You play White; Aim Bc4 at f7, support with c3 and d3, castle safely, then use Bg5 to pin and pressure Black.

How do I practise the Italian Game?

Watch Remote Chess Academy's video, then play the line yourself on the board on this page. You make all 7 of White's moves; a wrong move is undone with a hint, and the key moments jump the video to where Remote Chess Academy explains each move.

Do I need an account?

No. The practice is free and runs in your browser. Sign up only if you want Chess DNA to find the openings that lose you games in your own Chess.com or Lichess history.

More videos to practise

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The video is embedded from YouTube and belongs to Remote Chess Academy. Chess DNA is not affiliated with the creator. Updated Nov 10, 2026.