C52
Italian Game: Evans Gambit
Key moves: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4
The Italian Game is one of the oldest chess openings, where White develops the bishop to c4 targeting the f7 square. It leads to open, tactical positions with clear attacking ideas for White. The Giuoco Piano (3...Bc5) and Two Knights Defence (3...Nf6) are the main branches.
History & Notable Players
One of the oldest recorded openings, analysed in Italian manuscripts from the 15th century. It experienced a massive renaissance in the 2010s when top players like Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana adopted it as a main weapon.
Top Players in this Opening
Related Openings
C50 - Italian Game2144C51 - Italian Game: Evans Gambit157C53 - Italian Game: Bird's Attack1114C54 - Italian Game: Classical Variation406C55 - Italian Game: Two Knights Defense941C56 - Italian Game: Scotch Gambit47C57 - Italian Game: Two Knights Defense, Kloss Gambit29C58 - Italian Game: Two Knights Defense137C59 - Italian Game: Two Knights Defense, Knorre Variation67
Best Games
Nakamura,Hi vs Anand,V1/2-1/2
6th London Classic 2014 • 2014★ Notable
Sulskis,S vs Svidler,P0-1
FIDE WCh KO • 2001★ Notable
Chigorin, Mikhail vs Steinitz, William0-1
World Championship 4th • 1892★ Notable
Chigorin, Mikhail vs Steinitz, William1/2-1/2
World Championship 4th • 1892★ Notable
Chigorin, Mikhail vs Steinitz, William1-0
World Championship 4th • 1892★ Notable
Chigorin, Mikhail vs Steinitz, William1/2-1/2
World Championship 4th • 1892★ Notable
Chigorin, Mikhail vs Steinitz, William1-0
World Championship 4th • 1892★ Notable
Chigorin, Mikhail vs Steinitz, William1/2-1/2
World Championship 4th • 1892★ Notable
Chigorin, Mikhail vs Steinitz, William1-0
World Championship 4th • 1892★ Notable
Chigorin, Mikhail vs Steinitz, William1-0
World Championship 4th • 1892★ Notable
Gunsberg, Isidor vs Steinitz, William1-0
World Championship 3rd • 1890★ Notable
Gunsberg, Isidor vs Steinitz, William1-0
World Championship 3rd • 1890★ Notable
Gunsberg, Isidor vs Steinitz, William0-1
World Championship 3rd • 1890★ Notable
Gunsberg, Isidor vs Steinitz, William1/2-1/2
World Championship 3rd • 1890★ Notable
Chigorin, Mikhail vs Steinitz, William1-0
World Championship 2nd • 1889★ Notable
Chigorin, Mikhail vs Steinitz, William0-1
World Championship 2nd • 1889★ Notable
Chigorin, Mikhail vs Steinitz, William0-1
World Championship 2nd • 1889★ Notable
Chigorin, Mikhail vs Steinitz, William1-0
World Championship 2nd • 1889★ Notable
Chigorin, Mikhail vs Steinitz, William1/2-1/2
World Championship 2nd • 1889★ Notable
Chigorin, Mikhail vs Steinitz, William0-1
World Championship 2nd • 1889★ Notable