Italian Game: Two Knights Defense
ECO C58 · Italian Game · tactical · intermediate
The Italian Game: Two Knights Defense (C58) is a tactical chess opening in the Italian Game family, played by Black. It arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Ng5 d5 5. exd5 Na5 6. Bb5+ c6 7. dxc6 bxc6 8. Be2. Aggressive defense allowing the d5 pawn sacrifice. Recommended for intermediate players.
Moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Ng5 d5 5. exd5 Na5 6. Bb5+ c6 7. dxc6 bxc6 8. Be2
About this opening
The Two Knights Defense (3.Bc4 Nf6) is the combative option of the Italian Game: by developing the knight rather than the bishop, Black invites 4.Ng5, which attacks the f7 point and triggers immediate complications. The Fritz Gambit, the Traxler attack and the ...d5 sacrifice are tactically explosive. It is the dream opening for anyone who loves to calculate and play for a win from the start.