Chess Opening Tutorial : Two Knights Defense and Giuoco Piano

3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d3 Bc5

After 5...d6, typical moves for White are 6.O-O, 6.Bb3, and 6.Nbd2, which can be played in different orders. After 6.O-O, typical moves for Black are 6...O-O and 6...a6, but not 6...Na5 7.Bxf7+ Kxf7 8.b4. After 6...O-O 7.Bb3 Bb6, White can play 8.Re1 or 8.Nbd2, but not 8.d4 Bg4. Best after 5...d6 might be 6.b4 Bb6 7.a4 a6 8.Nbd2, planning 9.Bb3 and 10.Nc4.

To avoid this harassment of the Bishop, Black can play 5...a6, preparing its retreat to a7. Now if the game continues 6.O-O d6 7.Re1, preparing d3-d4, Black plays 7...Ba7, not 7...Na5 8.b4 Nxc4 9.bxc5.

Symmetry occurs after 5.Nc3 d6. White can try 6.Bg5 h6 or 6.Be3 Bb6.

Index: Chess Opening Tutorial : Two Knights Defense and Giuoco Piano

1. Introduction
2. 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.Ng5 d5 5.exd5 Na5
3. 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.Ng5 d5 5.exd5
4. 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.Ng5 Bc5
5. 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d3 Bc5
6. 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d3 Be7
7. 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d4
8. 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4
9. 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.c3
10. Transpositions