Main Line (4.c3)

Italian Game

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.c3 Nf6 5.d4 exd4 6.cxd4 Bb4+

White builds a classical center with c3 and d4 before Black can contest it.

Fun fact: The sharp Møller Attack, 7.Nc3, dates only from 1898, nearly three centuries after Greco played this position. Source

Practice this line

The idea

This is White's most direct try for the center. 4.c3 prepares d4, Black develops with 4...Nf6 and hits e4, and after 5.d4 exd4 6.cxd4 White has the classical pawn duo on d4 and e4. Black answers with the check 6...Bb4+, which reaches the position you practice here.

Plans for White

White has three ways to block the check. 7.Bd2 is the solid choice, aiming to keep the center. 7.Nbd2 keeps more pieces on the board and has become a common modern choice.

7.Nc3 is the Møller Attack, a famous gambit. White lets Black take the e4 pawn (7...Nxe4 8.O-O Bxc3) and replies 9.d5, opening lines toward Black's king while it is still in the center.

Plans for Black

Strike at White's center before it can advance. After 7.Bd2 Bxd2+ 8.Nbxd2, play 8...d5 at once, so that White can't push e5 or d5 with gain of time.

Against the Møller Attack, Black can hold with accurate play, but it is dangerous to meet unprepared. Finish development and castle before collecting more material.

Watch out for

Gioachino Greco's game from the early 1600s shows what greed costs here. After 7.Nc3 Nxe4 8.O-O, Black took the knight with 8...Nxc3 9.bxc3 Bxc3?, White played 10.Qb3, and Black grabbed the rook with 10...Bxa1?. White's attack on f7 then forced mate.