C54 Italian Game

ECO code C54 covers the Giuoco Piano branch of the Italian Game that arises after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.c3 Nf6. With 4.c3 White prepares d4 to build a broad pawn centre and to blunt the bishop on c5. The sharp try 5.d4 exd4 6.cxd4 Bb4+ leads to open play after 7.Bd2, where White gives up some central stability for quick development. The slower 5.d3, the Giuoco Pianissimo, keeps the centre closed. White castles and manoeuvres, often with Re1, Nbd2 and a later d4. Black answers with ...d6 or ...a6, the second keeping a retreat square for the c5-bishop.