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\begin{document}

\title{Exeter Chess Club: The Italian Game for beginners
}

\author{Dr. Dave}

\maketitle
\tableofcontents


\chapter{Exeter Chess Club: The Italian Game for beginners
}


The Giuoco Piano and Evans' Gambit

Giuoco Piano

\board{r*bqk*nr}
{pppp*ppp}
{ *n* * *}
{* b p * }
{ *B*P* *}
{* P *N* }
{PP P PPP}
{RNBQK *R}
$$\showboard$$


Evans' Gambit

\board{r*bqk*nr}
{pppp*ppp}
{ *n* * *}
{* b p * }
{ PB*P* *}
{* * *N* }
{P*PP PPP}
{RNBQK *R}
$$\showboard$$


An Exeter Junior Chess Club booklet

Edition 3.18, April, 96 

Bibliography:



Kasparov/Keene, {\em Batsford Chess Openings}

Levy/Keene, {\em An Opening Repertoire for the Attacking Club Player}

Walker, {\em Chess Openings for Juniors}

{\em Various magazines and other books} 


\chapter{Introduction}
 This is an updated and expanded version of a booklet first written in 1994.
The major change is the conversion of the `example games' section to a much
larger `ideas and traps' section.


\section{The
trouble with the Giuoco Piano (is the Giuoco Pianissimo)
}
 The name {\em Giuoco Piano} means `quiet game', but it is not really quiet.
When it got its name, people were still playing the bloodthirsty variations of
the King's Gambit like the {\em Muzio Gambit} ({\em\protect\begin{chess} 1. e4 e5 2. f4 e*f4 3. Nf3
g5 4. Bc4 g4 5. O-O g*f3 6. Q*f3\protect\end{chess}}).  Compared to that, I suppose the Giuoco
Piano{\bf  is} quiet!  But there is a variation to be avoided, which is
the {\em Giuoco Pianissimo}.  That means `very quiet game'.

 It looks like this:

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. Nc3 Nf6 5. d3 d6\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bqk* r}
{ppp *ppp}
{ *np n *}
{* b p * }
{ *B*P* *}
{* NP*N* }
{PPP* PPP}
{R BQK *R}
$$\showboard$$


Junior players can usually get to this point safely but often don't really
enjoy the game that results.  The position is blocked, the sides are equal and
it's hard to get things going.  It can take a long time to beat worse players
because things are so solid. Also, it may be that almost every game you play
ends up something like this, and perhaps you would like some variety.

 Why does this go wrong?  Well, you should know that Plan A in the opening (for
White and Black) is to play e4 and d4.  If you both play sensibly {\em\protect\begin{chess} 1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5\protect\end{chess}} White cannot play d4, so you both continue sensibly
{\em\protect\begin{chess} 4. Nc3 Nf6 5. d3 d6\protect\end{chess}}.  Which is where we came in.  If you really want to
play like this, see the last section, but I don't think it's a good way to
play.

 Knowing this can happen, you need to know the two great ways to avoid it,
which lead to open exciting games:

\board{r*bqk*nr}
{pppp*ppp}
{ *n* * *}
{* b p * }
{ *B*P* *}
{* P *N* }
{PP P PPP}
{RNBQK *R}
$$\showboard$$


{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4.c3\protect\end{chess}}

 This is the main line of the Giuoco Piano.  The idea is to play c3, d4
and only after ...exd4,cxd4 do you play Nc3.  You then have your old-fashioned
centre and good prospects of a quick attack down the centre or on the K-side.
I often call this {\bf Plan A}.

 Black can use the temporary weakness of e4 to play\protect\begin{chess} 4.: Nf6\protect\end{chess} when it is
difficult to stop Black upsetting your plan a little.

\board{r*bqk*nr}
{pppp*ppp}
{ *n* * *}
{* b p * }
{ PB*P* *}
{* * *N* }
{P*PP PPP}
{RNBQK *R}
$$\showboard$$


{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4.b4!?\protect\end{chess}}

 This is the Evans' Gambit, the "{\em gift of the gods to a languishing
chess world}".  After {\em\protect\begin{chess} 4.: B*b4\protect\end{chess},\protect\begin{chess} 5. c3 Bc5 6. d4\protect\end{chess}} you have gained a
move on Plan A, although you are a Pawn down.  The Evans' is more dangerous
than the Giuoco Piano - for both sides!

 Enterprising chess players still occasionally trot this one out at master
level: Bobby Fischer and John Nunn have played it with success.

 So, let's have a look at some ideas in these more exciting lines.  I'll show
you 

1. first, the basic ideas

2. secondly, some important traps

3. lastly, some variations

 You should read and play over the examples with a board, and do them in the
order above: (1) ideas, (2) traps, and only then (3) variations.  This is how
to study any opening.


\chapter{Basic
ideas in the Italian Game
}
 I've described some of them above.

 bring your Bishop onto the a2-g8 diagonal, eyeing up the tender f7 point

 play c2-c3 and d2-d4 to take over the {\bf centre}

 {\bf develop} your other pieces {\bf rapidly}, bring your King's Rook to e1.
If you have a lead in development, {\bf break open lines} to get at the Black
position

 keep the opponent's pieces from settling with {\bf central pawn stabs}.
Usually we say, don't make time-wasting pawn moves, like h2-h3.  But if you
play e4-e5 attacking a Knight on f6, the Knight has to move, and so you haven't
given Black a chance to catch up in development, and you may have dislodged an
important defender.  It's odd that, because Pawns are worth the least, nothing
can resist their attacks!

 try and catch the opponent's {\bf King in the middle}, or, if it escapes by
castling, {\bf attack on the King's-side.}.  Usually, only the Evans' Gambit
and Moller Attack in the Giuoco Piano are fast enough to catch the King in the
middle.

 if your attack doesn't come about, fast development and siezing the central
files may give you an {\bf advantage in the endgame}

 Because the basic layout is similar for both sides, some of these ideas also
apply to playing Black: in addition Black should strive for:

rapid {\bf development} 

{\bf castle} into safety

counter with {\bf ...d5}

play for {\bf counterattack} on the King's-side or an {\bf endgame advantage}
 First, I'll show you an example game which includes the ideas I have listed
above.



\subsection{All
the basic ideas: White,R - Al Marif,S [C51 Evans' Gambit] (London LB), 1990
}
{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 B*b4 5. c3 Bc5 6. O-O!? d6 7. d4 e*d4
8. c*d4\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bqk*nr}
{ppp *ppp}
{ *np * *}
{* b * * }
{ *BPP* *}
{* * *N* }
{P* * PPP}
{RNBQ*RK }
$$\showboard$$


{\bf Central advantage}: the Plan A pawn centre with {\bf good
development. }

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 8.: Bb6 9. Re1\protect\end{chess} }

The Rook comes to e1, gving the King a Hard Stare.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 9.: Bg4\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r* qk*nr}
{ppp *ppp}
{ bnp * *}
{* * * * }
{ *BPP*b*}
{* * *N* }
{P* * PPP}
{RNBQR K }
$$\showboard$$


White's next points both Bishops at the King's-side.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 10. Bb2 Qf6 11. e5 d*e5 12. d*e5\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r* *k*nr}
{ppp *ppp}
{ bn* q *}
{* * P * }
{ *B* *b*}
{* * *N* }
{PB * PPP}
{RN*QR K }
$$\showboard$$


{\bf Raiding by centre pawns}. The Pawn wins time by the attack on the
Queen, and then {\bf breaks open lines} by a further step forward.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 12.:  Qf4 13. e6 B*f3\protect\end{chess}}

Black hopes to gain time by taking a piece with an attack on the
Queen.

\board{r* *k*nr}
{ppp *ppp}
{ bn*P* *}
{* * * * }
{ *B* q *}
{* * *b* }
{PB * PPP}
{RN*QR K }
$$\showboard$$


{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 14. e*f7+\protect\end{chess}}

Not a bit of it! - Check stops everything.  In fact White never moves
the Queen or takes the Bishop!

\board{r* *k*nr}
{ppp *Ppp}
{ bn* * *}
{* * * * }
{ *B* q *}
{* * *b* }
{PB * PPP}
{RN*QR K }
$$\showboard$$


{\bf Attack on f7} along the "{\em Italian Diagonal}" 

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 14.:  Kf8 15. f*g8=Q+ R*g8 16. Ba3+ Ne7 17. B*e7+\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r* * kr*}
{ppp B pp}
{ b * * *}
{* * * * }
{ *B* q *}
{* * *b* }
{P* * PPP}
{RN*QR K }
$$\showboard$$


The {\bf King caught in the middle}. Black resigns... {\bf 1-0}

 An exciting game! Let's have a look at each of these ideas again in
actual play, and how to play when you are Black.


\chapter{Ideas
mainly for White 
}

\section{Develop
rapidly and take over the centre
}
 You should know this idea already.  Get your pieces out and fighting - if they
are on the back rank you might as well not have them!  And of course, they are
most effective in the centre.

 The way to take over the centre is with your e- and d-pawns.  These pawns can
make little steps down the middle towards the Black King, and on the way stamp
on the toes of the Black pieces to make them jump out of the way!



\subsection{The
raid with central pawns: Boleslavsky - Scitov [C54 Giuoco Piano] (Moscow)
1933
}
{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Nf6 5. d4 e*d4 6. c*d4 Bb6\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bqk* r}
{pppp*ppp}
{ bn* n *}
{* * * * }
{ *BPP* *}
{* * *N* }
{PP * PPP}
{RNBQK *R}
$$\showboard$$


This move gives White too much of a free hand.  The ``Plan A'' pawn centre just
rolls over the Black position.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 7. e5\protect\end{chess} }Stamp!

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 7.: Ng4 8. h3\protect\end{chess} }Stamp!

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 8.: Nh6 9. d5\protect\end{chess} }Stamp!

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 9.: Ne7 10. d6\protect\end{chess} }Stamp!

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 10.: Ng6\protect\end{chess} }

The Pawns have marched forward, causing the Black pieces to scatter.
Time to develop a piece...

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 11. Bg5 f6\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bqk* r}
{pppp* pp}
{ b P pnn}
{* * P B }
{ *B* * *}
{* * *N*P}
{PP * PP*}
{RN*QK *R}
$$\showboard$$


{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 12. e*f6 g*f6\protect\end{chess} }

White can win a piece, but:

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 13. Qe2+ Kf8 14. B*h6\#\protect\end{chess} 1-0}



 Isn't that better than the Giuoco Pianissimo?



\subsection{The
raid with central pawns: Morphy,Paul - Laroche,H    [Evans' Gambit, C52] Paris,
1859
}
{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 B*b4 5. c3 Ba5 6. d4 Nf6\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bqk* r}
{pppp*ppp}
{ *n* n *}
{b * p * }
{ *BPP* *}
{* P *N* }
{P* * PPP}
{RNBQK *R}
$$\showboard$$


Now a little Pawn stab.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 7. d*e5 Ng4 8. Bg5 f6 9. e*f6 N*f6 10. e5\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bqk* r}
{pppp* pp}
{ *n* n *}
{b * P B }
{ *B* * *}
{* P *N* }
{P* * PPP}
{RN*QK *R}
$$\showboard$$


Another awkward Pawn raid.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 10.:  h6 11. e*f6 h*g5 12. f*g7 Qe7+ 13. Qe2\protect\end{chess} 1-0}



{\bf 
}

\subsection{The
raid with central pawns: Morphy,Paul(bl\_sim) - Cunningham [Giuoco Piano, C54]
London, 1859
}
{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Bc5 3. c3 Nc6 4. Nf3 Nf6 5. d4 e*d4 6. e5 Qe7 7. O-O Ng8 8.
c*d4 Bb6 9. d5\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*b*k*nr}
{ppppqppp}
{ bn* * *}
{* *PP * }
{ *B* * *}
{* * *N* }
{PP * PPP}
{RNBQ*RK }
$$\showboard$$


This we would call a {\em central pawn roller}.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 9.:  Qc5 10. Na3 Nd4 11. Be3 N*f3+ 12. Q*f3 Qf8 13. B*b6 a*b6 14. Nb5 Kd8
15. Rac1\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bk qnr}
{*ppp*ppp}
{ p * * *}
{*N*PP * }
{ *B* * *}
{* * *Q* }
{PP * PPP}
{* R *RK }
$$\showboard$$


Black is getting squashed by those Pawns.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 15.:  d6 16. e*d6 c*d6 17. Qe3 Ra6 18. Nc7 Qe7\protect\end{chess}}

\board{ *bk *nr}
{*pN qppp}
{rp p * *}
{* *P* * }
{ *B* * *}
{* * Q * }
{PP * PPP}
{* R *RK }
$$\showboard$$


Black wants to exchange Queens.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 19. Ne6+! f*e6 20. B*a6 Bd7 21. Bb5 Ke8 22. d*e6 Nf6 23. Rc8+\protect\end{chess} 1-0}

{\bf 
}

\subsection{Central
advantage: Bastian,Herbert - Eng,Holger (10)  [Giuoco Piano, C54] Bad Neuenahr
ch-DE, 1984
}
{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Nf6 5. d4 e*d4 6. c*d4 Bb4+ 7. Bd2
B*d2+ 8. Nb*d2 d5 9. e*d5 N*d5 10. Qb3 Nce7 11. O-O O-O 12. Rfe1\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bq rk*}
{ppp nppp}
{ * * * *}
{* *n* * }
{ *BP * *}
{*Q* *N* }
{PP N PPP}
{R * R K }
$$\showboard$$


This is the Main line position.  Most of the Pawns have disappeared, but Black
must be careful not to let the White pieces dominate the central squares and
the e-file.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 12.:  Nb6 13. Bd3 Bf5 14. R*e7 B*d3 15. Rae1 Bg6 16. Nh4 Nc8\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*nq rk*}
{ppp Rppp}
{ * * *b*}
{* * * * }
{ * P * N}
{*Q* * * }
{PP N PPP}
{* * R K }
$$\showboard$$


White has far more active pieces and control of the e-file.  This is an easy
game to understand, and, hopefully, imitate.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 17. N*g6 h*g6\protect\end{chess} 18. R7e5 Qxd4\protect\begin{chess} 19. Nf3 Qd7 20. Ng5 Nd6\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r* * rk*}
{pppq*pp }
{ * n *p*}
{* * R N }
{ * * * *}
{*Q* * * }
{PP * PPP}
{* * R K }
$$\showboard$$


Black is starting to get sorted out but White's next move tempts the f-pawn to
move...

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 21. Qb4 f6 22. Re7 Qb5 23. R*g7+ K*g7 24. Re7+ Rf7 25. R*f7+ N*f7 26. Ne6+\protect\end{chess}
1-0}



\section{Catch
the Black King in the middle
}
 As I said, this is mostly an idea for the Evans' Gambit.  White's pieces
charge out before Black can play ...Nf6 and ...O-O, and before the defence can
get organised.



\subsection{The
King caught in the middle (and Central advantage): Morphy - Hampton, H
[Evans' Gambit, C52] (London) 1858
}
{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 B*b4 5. c3 Bc5 6. O-O d6 7. d4 e*d4 8.
c*d4 Bb6 9. Nc3\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bqk*nr}
{ppp *ppp}
{ bnp * *}
{* * * * }
{ *BPP* *}
{* N *N* }
{P* * PPP}
{R BQ*RK }
$$\showboard$$


This simple developing move is best, but not much played before Morphy.
Instead they used to rush with {\em\protect\begin{chess} 9. d5\protect\end{chess}} or hesitate with {\em\protect\begin{chess} 9. h3\protect\end{chess}}.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 9.:  Nf6 10. e5 d*e5 11. Ba3\protect\end{chess} }

Stops the Black King castling.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 11.: Bg4 12. Qb3 Bh5 13. d*e5 Ng4 14. Rad1 Qc8\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*q*k* r}
{ppp *ppp}
{ bn* * *}
{* * P *b}
{ *B* *n*}
{BQN *N* }
{P* * PPP}
{* *R*RK }
$$\showboard$$


White has a model position, while Black's pieces are disorganised and the King
vulnerable.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 15. e6 f6 16. Qb5 Bg6 17. Bd5\protect\end{chess} 1-0}



{\bf 
}

\subsection{King
caught in the middle: Fischer - Fine RH    [Evans' Gambit, C52] (New York)
1963
}
This game was played as a `friendly' game at Fine's house.  

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 B*b4 5. c3 Ba5 6. d4 e*d4 7. O-O d*c3\protect\end{chess}
}

"{\em A little too greedy}", said {\bf Modern Chess Openings}, and
Fischer agreed.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 8. Qb3 Qe7 9. N*c3\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*b*k*nr}
{ppppqppp}
{ *n* * *}
{b * * * }
{ *B*P* *}
{*QN *N* }
{P* * PPP}
{R B *RK }
$$\showboard$$


White has a massive lead in development.  Now {\em\protect\begin{chess} 9.: Qb4\protect\end{chess}} is the most
awkward.  Fischer's reply does not lose time because Black must respond to the
attack on the Queen, and, after the exchange, the Knight.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 9.:  Nf6 10. Nd5 N*d5 11. e*d5 Ne5 12. N*e5 Q*e5 13. Bb2 Qg5\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*b*k* r}
{pppp*ppp}
{ * * * *}
{b *P* q }
{ *B* * *}
{*Q* * * }
{PB * PPP}
{R * *RK }
$$\showboard$$


Fischer now finds a nice deflecting move.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 14. h4 Q*h4 15. B*g7 Rg8 16. Rfe1+ Kd8 17. Qg3\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bk *r*}
{pppp*pBp}
{ * * * *}
{b *P* * }
{ *B* * q}
{* * * Q }
{P* * PP*}
{R * R K }
$$\showboard$$


{\bf  1-0}

Another, conclusive deflection.  The Black Queen cannot defend the f6
square, so if {\em\protect\begin{chess} 17.: Qg3 18. Bf6\protect\end{chess} mate}.

\subsection{King
caught in the middle: Anderssen,Adolf - Dufresne,J    [Evans' Gambit, C52]
Berlin `Evergreen', 1852
}
This is a very famous game, published in newspapers all over the world at the
time.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 B*b4 5. c3 Ba5 6. d4 e*d4 7. O-O d3 8.
Qb3 Qf6 9. e5 Qg6 10. Re1 Nge7 11. Ba3 b5 12. Q*b5 Rb8 13. Qa4 Bb6 14. Nbd2 Bb7
15. Ne4 Qf5 16. B*d3 Qh5 17. Nf6+ g*f6 18. e*f6 Rg8\protect\end{chess}}

\board{ r *k*r*}
{pbppnp*p}
{ bn* P *}
{* * * *q}
{Q* * * *}
{B PB*N* }
{P* * PPP}
{R * R K }
$$\showboard$$


In playing his next move, Anderssen must have seen the mate at the end.
Superb!

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 19. Rad1 Q*f3 20. R*e7+ N*e7 21. Q*d7+ K*d7 22. Bf5+ Ke8 23. Bd7+ Kf8 24.
B*e7\#\protect\end{chess} 1-0}

{\bf 
}

\subsection{King
caught in the middle: Romero Holmes,Alfonse - Estremera Panos,Serg [Giuoco
Piano, C54] Leon, 1989
}
{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Nf6 5. d4 e*d4 6. b4\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bqk* r}
{pppp*ppp}
{ *n* n *}
{* b * * }
{ PBpP* *}
{* P *N* }
{P* * PPP}
{RNBQK *R}
$$\showboard$$


An unusual line.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 6.:  Bb6 7. e5 d5 8. e*f6 d*c4 9. b5 Na5\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bqk* r}
{ppp *ppp}
{ b * P *}
{nP* * * }
{ *pp * *}
{* P *N* }
{P* * PPP}
{RNBQK *R}
$$\showboard$$


White has yet to show anything for his efforts.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 10. Qe2+ Be6 11. f*g7 Rg8 12. N*d4 B*d4 13. c*d4 Q*d4 14. Bb2\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r* *k*r*}
{ppp *pPp}
{ * *b* *}
{nP* * * }
{ *pq * *}
{* * * * }
{PB *QPPP}
{RN* K *R}
$$\showboard$$


This move hangs on to the g-pawn, without which Black would be OK.  It's still
all very muddly!

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 14.:  Qd3 15. Bf6 Qg6 16. Qf3 R*g7 17. Nd2\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r* *k* *}
{ppp *prp}
{ * *bBq*}
{nP* * * }
{ *p* * *}
{* * *Q* }
{P* N PPP}
{R * K *R}
$$\showboard$$


Black jumps at a loose Pawn...

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 17.:  Q*g2 18. Qa3\protect\end{chess} 1-0}

{\bf 
}

\section{The
King's-side attack.
}
 Of course, if Black is not greedy you may see the Black King flee to the
King's-side.  But all the things that make the attack on the uncastled King
work - better development, central control and open lines - also make a
King's-side attack work!

\subsection{King's-side
attack: Morphy,Paul - Amateur [Giuoco Piano, C51] London, 1858
}
{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 B*b4 5. c3 Bc5 6. d4 e*d4 7. c*d4 Bb6
8. Bg5 Nge7 9. Nc3 O-O 10. d5 Na5\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bq rk*}
{ppppnppp}
{ b * * *}
{n *P* B }
{ *B*P* *}
{* N *N* }
{P* * PPP}
{R *QK *R}
$$\showboard$$


Black has castled, but White is still out get the King.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 11. d6 c*d6 12. Nd5 Nac6 13. N*e7+ N*e7 14. Q*d6 Re8 15. Rc1 Ba5+\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bqr*k*}
{pp*pnppp}
{ * Q * *}
{b * * B }
{ *B*P* *}
{* * *N* }
{P* * PPP}
{* R K *R}
$$\showboard$$


White's next move is an important one: he will have to win the game without his
King's Rook!

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 16. Kf1 Kf8 17. Qf4 d5 18. Bb5 Bd7 19. Ne5\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r* qrk *}
{pp*bnppp}
{ * * * *}
{bB*pN B }
{ * *PQ *}
{* * * * }
{P* * PPP}
{* R *K*R}
$$\showboard$$


A well-judged sacrifice.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 19.:  B*b5+ 20. Kg1 f5 21. e*f5 Qb6 22. f6 Ng8 23. f7 Rec8 24. f*g8=Q+ K*g8
25. Qf7+\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*r* *k*}
{pp* *Qpp}
{ q * * *}
{bb*pN B }
{ * * * *}
{* * * * }
{P* * PPP}
{* R * KR}
$$\showboard$$


White has got his attack going nicely now.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 25.:  Kh8 26. R*c8+ R*c8 27. Q*d5 h6 28. Nf7+ Kh7 29. Qf5+ Qg6 30. Q*c8 Qb1+
31. Qc1 Qf5 32. Be3 Q*f7 33. Qb1+\protect\end{chess} 1-0}

\subsection{Littlewood
 - Paish (Blindfold)1993
}
{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Nf6 5. d4 e*d4 6. c*d4 Bb4+ 7. Bd2
B*d2+ 8. Nb*d2 d5 9. e*d5 N*d5 10. Qb3! Nce7 11. O-O O-O\protect\end{chess} }

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 12. Rfe1 c6 13. a4\protect\end{chess} }

Fritz knows about several alternatives here: h6, Qb6,Qb7, Rb8, b6 and so
on.  Littlewood's opponent found a new one, but the decentralising ...Qa5 does
little towards getting Black's position sorted. 

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 13.:  Qa5 14. Ne4 Rd8 15. Ne5 Nf5 16. Qd3 Be6 17. Ng5 g6 18. Qh3 Nd6 19.
Q*h7+\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r* r *k*}
{pp* *p*Q}
{ *pnb*p*}
{q *nN N }
{P*BP * *}
{* * * * }
{ P * PPP}
{R * R K }
$$\showboard$$


The entry of the Queen decides.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 19.:  Kf8 20. N*e6+ f*e6 21. B*d5\protect\end{chess} and Nxg6+ 1-0}

This was one of eight games played blindfold by Paul - that is, he
played by calling out moves to eight opponents, each of whom had a board!

{\bf 
}

\subsection{King's-side
attack: Euwe,Max - O'Hanlon,John [Giuoco Piano, C54] Hastings, 1919
}
{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Nf6 5. d4 e*d4 6. c*d4 Bb4+ 7. Nc3 N*e4
8. O-O B*c3 9. d5 Bf6 10. Re1 Ne7 11. R*e4 d6 12. Bg5 B*g5 13. N*g5 O-O\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bq rk*}
{ppp nppp}
{ * p * *}
{* *P* N }
{ *B*R* *}
{* * * * }
{PP * PPP}
{R *Q* K }
$$\showboard$$


White now plays a break-up sacrifice.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 14. N*h7! K*h7 15. Rh4+ Kg8 16. Qh5 f5 17. Re1 Ng6 18. Rh3 f4 19. Re6
Rf6\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bq *k*}
{ppp * p }
{ * pRrn*}
{* *P* *Q}
{ *B* p *}
{* * * *R}
{PP * PPP}
{* * * K }
$$\showboard$$


Black has no time to organise a defence of all of his weaknesses.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 20. Qh7+ Kf8 21. Qh8+ N*h8 22. R*h8+ Kf7 23. R*d8 c6 24. Ree8 Bd7 25. d*c6+
Be6 26. B*e6+ R*e6 27. R*a8 R*e8 28. R*e8 K*e8 29. c*b7\protect\end{chess} 1-0}

{\bf 
}

\subsection{The
Fried Liver raid: Morphy,Paul(bl\_sim) - Forde,A   [Evans' Gambit, C52] New
Orleans, 1858
}
{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 B*b4 5. c3 Ba5 6. O-O Nge7 7. Ng5 d5 8.
e*d5 N*d5\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bqk* r}
{ppp *ppp}
{ *n* * *}
{b *np N }
{ *B* * *}
{* P * * }
{P* P PPP}
{RNBQ*RK }
$$\showboard$$


You may know the Fried Liver Attack - here is a version of it in the Evans'
Gambit.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 9. N*f7 K*f7 10. Qf3+ Ke6 11. Ba3 Bb6 12. Re1 Na5\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bq * r}
{ppp * pp}
{ b *k* *}
{n *np * }
{ *B* * *}
{B P *Q* }
{P* P PPP}
{RN* R K }
$$\showboard$$


How can White get at the King?

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 13. R*e5+! K*e5 14. d4+ Ke6 15. g4 g6 16. Qe4+ Kf7 17. B*d5+ Kg7 18. Be7 Re8
19. Qe5+ Kh6 20. g5+ Kh5 21. Bf3+ Bg4 22. Qg3 Qd7 23. Qh3\#\protect\end{chess} 1-0}

 This too was one of a number of games played by Morphy without sight of
the board.


\section{The
Queen's-side attack.
}
Black's Queen's-side may be late coming out, and may be a target for a direct
attack by e.g. Qd1-b3xb7.  But if the Black King cannot feel entirely safe on
the King's-side, and not at all in the centre, perhaps your opponent will
castle Queen's-side?  This is usually easier to attack than the King's-side,
because you won't mind moving your Queen's-side Pawns forward!

\subsection{Move
to the Queen's-side: Szecsi - Szarka [Giuoco Piano, C54] cr, 1987
}
{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Nf6 5. d4 e*d4 6. c*d4 Bb4+ 7. Nc3 N*e4
8. O-O B*c3 9. d5 Bf6 10. Re1 Ne7 11. R*e4 d6 12. Bg5 B*g5 13. N*g5 h6 14. Qe2
h*g5 15. Re1 Be6 16. d*e6 f6 17. Re3 c6 18. Rh3 R*h3 19. g*h3 g6 20. b4\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r* qk* *}
{pp* n * }
{ *ppPpp*}
{* * * p }
{ PB* * *}
{* * * *P}
{P* *QP P}
{* * R K }
$$\showboard$$


This move is quite cute: White realises Black will castle Queen's-side, and so
arranges a welcome for the Black King...

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 20.:  Qb6 21. Qb2 O-O\protect\end{chess}-O }

Told you!

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 22. b5 Rf8 23. a4 Qa5 24. Rc1 Q*a4 25. b*c6 b6 26. Bb5 Qe4 27. c7 Kb7 28.
Qa3 a5 29. Q*d6\protect\end{chess}}

\board{ * * r *}
{*kP n * }
{ p QPpp*}
{pB* * p }
{ * *q* *}
{* * * *P}
{ * * P P}
{* R * K }
$$\showboard$$


Black is cut to shreds.  It's an interesting point that this was played in
recent years by post, so Black had plenty of time to work out the best opening
variation and the best defence to the attack! 

{\bf 1-0}

{\bf 
}

\chapter{Ideas
for Black
}
Of course, you need to know how to play the Black side of the Italian Game.


\section{Hit
back with ...d5
}
This is the most important idea.  Black's problems in the games we have looked
at stem from (a) poor development, (b) poor control over the centre. 

The ...d5 break is crucial, releasing the Bc8 and getting a share of the centre
(or at least breaking up White's pawns).  This goes some way to solving both
problems. If you can play ...d5 as Black without immediate disaster you usually
get an even game at least.



\subsection{Black
hits back with ...d5: Marache,N - Morphy,Paul [Evans' Gambit, C52] New York,
1857
}
{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 B*b4 5. c3 Ba5 6. d4 e*d4 7. e5\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bqk*nr}
{pppp*ppp}
{ *n* * *}
{b * P * }
{ *Bp * *}
{* P *N* }
{P* * PPP}
{RNBQK *R}
$$\showboard$$


White swings a punch into the air.  Black responds with one on the chin.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 7.:  d5 8. e*d6 Q*d6 9. O-O Nge7 10. Ng5 O-O 11. Bd3\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*b* rk*}
{ppp nppp}
{ *nq * *}
{b * * N }
{ * p * *}
{* PB* * }
{P* * PPP}
{RNBQ*RK }
$$\showboard$$


White has no reason to expect these attacking gestures to succeed.  Black
sensibly develops, connecting the Rooks, and soon moves over to the attack.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 11.:  Bf5 12. B*f5 N*f5 13. Ba3 Qg6 14. B*f8 Q*g5 15. Ba3 d*c3 16. Bc1 Qg6
17. Bf4 Rd8 18. Qc2 Ncd4 19. Qe4\protect\end{chess}}

\board{ * r *k*}
{ppp *ppp}
{ * * *q*}
{b * *n* }
{ * nQB *}
{* p * * }
{P* * PPP}
{RN* *RK }
$$\showboard$$


{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 19.:  Ng3!\protect\end{chess} 0-1}

{\bf 
}

\subsection{Black
hits back with ...d5: Treiber,Timo - Kurz,Ralf (07) [Giuoco Piano, C54] Baden
Baden, 1990
}
{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Nf6 5. d4 e*d4 6. c*d4 Bb4+ 7. Nc3 N*e4
8. O-O B*c3 9. d5 Bf6 10. d*c6 b*c6 11. Re1\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bqk* r}
{p pp*ppp}
{ *p* b *}
{* * * * }
{ *B*n* *}
{* * *N* }
{PP * PPP}
{R BQR K }
$$\showboard$$


Black whips the King out of the way of the Rook...

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 11.:  O-O 12. R*e4\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bq rk*}
{p pp*ppp}
{ *p* b *}
{* * * * }
{ *B*R* *}
{* * *N* }
{PP * PPP}
{R BQ* K }
$$\showboard$$


{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 12.:  d5\protect\end{chess} }

...And the ...d5 blow recovers the piece.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 13. Rf4 d*c4 14. Qa4 c3 15. b*c3 B*c3 16. Rb1 Qd3\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*b* rk*}
{p p *ppp}
{ *p* * *}
{* * * * }
{Q* * R *}
{* bq*N* }
{P* * PPP}
{*RB * K }
$$\showboard$$


White is getting into a right mess.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 17. Rbb4\protect\end{chess} }

{\em [\protect\begin{chess}17. Qb3 Rb8 18. Rd4 R*b3 19. R*d3 R*b1\protect\end{chess}]}

{\bf\protect\begin{chess}  17.:  Ba6 18. Rbc4 B*c4 19. R*c4 Rab8\protect\end{chess} 0-1}

{\bf 
}

\section{Catch
the White King in the middle
}
If you are developing as fast as you can, and White isn't, you may find that
you are ahead in development.  In this case you have every right to attack the
White King, and if this is still in the middle, so much the better!



\subsection{Black
catches the King in the middle: Noa,Josef - Kopylov [Evans' Gambit, C52]
Leningrad, 1937
}
{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 B*b4 5. c3 Ba5 6. d4 d6 7. Bg5 Nf6 8.
Qa4 e*d4 9. N*d4 Bb6 10. Bb5 O-O 11. N*c6 b*c6 12. B*c6\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bq rk*}
{p p *ppp}
{ bBp n *}
{* * * B }
{Q* *P* *}
{* P * * }
{P* * PPP}
{RN* K *R}
$$\showboard$$


White has tried to cash in straight away before completing development. 

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 12.:  B*f2+ 13. Ke2\protect\end{chess} }

{\em [\protect\begin{chess}13. K*f2 Ng4+ 14. Kf1 Q*g5 15. B*a8 Qc1+ 16. Ke2 Q*h1\protect\end{chess}]}

{\bf\protect\begin{chess}  13.:  Rb8 14. Rf1 Rb2+ 15. Nd2\protect\end{chess}}

\board{ *bq rk*}
{p p *ppp}
{ *Bp n *}
{* * * B }
{Q* *P* *}
{* P * * }
{Pr NKbPP}
{R * *R* }
$$\showboard$$


Black now finds a neat move to exploit White's loose position.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 15.:  N*e4! 16. Q*e4 Q*g5 17. K*f2 Bf5 18. Qf3 Bg4 19. Qe4 d5\protect\end{chess} 0-1}

{\bf 
}

\section{Counterattack
on the White King's-side
}
Similarly, if you are ahead in development or have some other advantage, you
can (and should!) think about a King's-side attack.



\subsection{Black's
King's-side counterattack: Mongredien,A - Morphy,Paul (07) [Evans' Gambit, C52]
Paris m, 1859
}
{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 B*b4 5. c3 Ba5 6. O-O Nf6 7. d4
O-O\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bq rk*}
{pppp*ppp}
{ *n* n *}
{b * p * }
{ *BPP* *}
{* P *N* }
{P* * PPP}
{RNBQ*RK }
$$\showboard$$


White tries a pawn stab, but things are pretty solid.  No quick raid will be
possible, which is bad news for the Gambit player.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 8. d5 Ne7 9. Qd3 d6 10. h3 Ng6 11. Nh2 Nh5 12. Bb3 Ngf4 13. B*f4 N*f4 14.
Qf3 f5\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bq rk*}
{ppp * pp}
{ * p * *}
{b *Ppp* }
{ * *Pn *}
{*BP *Q*P}
{P* * PPN}
{RN* *RK }
$$\showboard$$


This move announces to White that it is Black who holds the initiative.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 15. e*f5 B*f5 16. g4 Bd3 17. Qe3 Bb6 18. Qd2 Qh4\protect\end{chess} 0-1}

{\bf 
}

\subsection{Black's
King's-side counterattack: Saint Amant - Morphy,Paul [Giuoco Piano, C54] Paris,
1858
}
{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Nf6 5. d4 e*d4 6. c*d4 Bb4+ 7. Bd2
B*d2+ 8. Nb*d2 d5 9. e*d5 N*d5 10. O-O O-O\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bq rk*}
{ppp *ppp}
{ *n* * *}
{* *n* * }
{ *BP * *}
{* * *N* }
{PP N PPP}
{R *Q*RK }
$$\showboard$$


White follows the limp\protect\begin{chess} 10. O-O\protect\end{chess} with a time-wasting and weakening Pawn move.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 11. h3 Nf4 12. Kh2 N*d4 13. N*d4 Q*d4 14. Qc2 Qd6\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*b* rk*}
{ppp *ppp}
{ * q * *}
{* * * * }
{ *B* n *}
{* * * *P}
{PPQN PPK}
{R * *R* }
$$\showboard$$


Threatening several nasties.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 15. Kh1 Qh6 16. Qc3 Bf5 17. Kh2 Rad8 18. Rad1\protect\end{chess}}

\board{ * r rk*}
{ppp *ppp}
{ * * * q}
{* * *b* }
{ *B* n *}
{* Q * *P}
{PP N PPK}
{* *R*R* }
$$\showboard$$


``And now for my last trick:"

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 18.:  B*h3 19. g*h3 Rd3 20. Q*d3 N*d3 21. B*d3 Qd6+ 22. f4 Q*d3\protect\end{chess} 0-1}






\section{Black's
chances in  the endgame
}
 It is actually quite difficult to take over the attack and mate White.  This
is nearly always true if the Queens are exchanged.  But very often, once
White's initiative blows itself out, you may be left with better placed pieces.
Then there may be open lines that you can use to attack White Pawns.  White may
have given up a pawn for the attack, or may have advanced one or two Pawns
beyond easy reach of White's pieces, but within easy reach of yours.  Then
Black can look forward to a very promising endgame.



\subsection{Black's
endgame chances: Hammond,G - Morphy,Paul [Giuoco Piano, C54] New York, 1857
}
{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Nf6 5. d4 e*d4 6. e5\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bqk* r}
{pppp*ppp}
{ *n* n *}
{* b P * }
{ *Bp * *}
{* P *N* }
{PP * PPP}
{RNBQK *R}
$$\showboard$$


As ever, Black must hit back hard:

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 6.:  d5 7. Bb3 Ne4 8. c*d4 Bb6 9. O-O Bg4 10. Be3 O-O 11. Qd3 B*f3 12. g*f3
Ng5 13. Qf5\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r* q rk*}
{ppp *ppp}
{ bn* * *}
{* *pPQn }
{ * P * *}
{*B* BP* }
{PP * P P}
{RN* *RK }
$$\showboard$$


White is doing his best to attack.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 13.:  N*d4 14. B*d4 B*d4 15. Nc3 g6 16. Qg4 h5 17. Qg2 B*e5 18. N*d5 c6 19.
Rfe1 Re8 20. f4 c*d5 21. f*e5 Ne6 22. Q*d5 Q*d5 23. B*d5 Nf4 24. B*b7 Rab8 25.
Bc6 Re6 26. Bd7 Re7 27. Rad1 R*b2\protect\end{chess}}

\board{ * * *k*}
{p *Brp* }
{ * * *p*}
{* * P *p}
{ * * n *}
{* * * * }
{Pr * P P}
{* *RR K }
$$\showboard$$


The attack has blown out leaving Black's pieces very well placed.  White is
losing at least a Pawn...

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 28. Re4? R*d7\protect\end{chess} 0-1}

...if not the game!



\section{Some
traps in the Italian Game
}
 I hope that's given you a feel for the way to play these positions.  Now I'd
like to look at some specific variations, because in these lively lines you
have to watch your step!  Here are some of the most important traps, the
tactical ideas behind some of the main lines.

 These are taken `wholemeal' (rather than piecemeal) from Znosko-Borovsky's
{\em Traps on the Chessboard}.  I think this is out of print (I have a 1940s
copy) but worth trying to find if you read {\em descriptive notation}.  In
fact, that goes for all Z-B's books!  Many of them are issued in inexpensive
editions by Dover.

{\bf 
}

\subsection{A
poor line for White in the Closed Variation of the Giuoco Piano
}
{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Qe7 5. O-O?\protect\end{chess}! }

{\em [\protect\begin{chess}5. d4\protect\end{chess} is best]}

{\bf\protect\begin{chess}  5.:  d6 6. d4 Bb6 7. h3 Nf6 8. d*e5?\protect\end{chess}! }

Just because your opponent plays slowly doesn't mean you can relax.

{\em [\protect\begin{chess}8. d5\protect\end{chess} may have been better]}

{\bf\protect\begin{chess}  8.:  N*e5 9. N*e5 Q*e5 10. Nd2\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*b*k* r}
{ppp *ppp}
{ b p n *}
{* * q * }
{ *B*P* *}
{* P * *P}
{PP N PP*}
{R BQ*RK }
$$\showboard$$


White has done everything possible to encourage Black!

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 10.:  B*h3 11. g*h3 Qg3+ 12. Kh1 Q*h3+ 13. Kg1 Ng4 14. Nf3 Qg3+ 15. Kh1
B*f2\protect\end{chess}}

{\bf -+  }

{\bf 
}

\subsection{Another
trap in the Closed Variation of the Giuoco Piano
}
{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Qe7 5. O-O?\protect\end{chess}! d6\protect\begin{chess} 6. d4 Bb6 7. Bg5 f6?\protect\end{chess}!\protect\begin{chess}
8. Bh4 g5?\protect\end{chess}!\protect\begin{chess} 9. N*g5 f*g5\protect\end{chess} }

I said above that you usually can't afford to do this in front of your
castled King.  It's also not safe in front of your uncastled King!

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 10. Qh5+ Kd8 11. B*g5\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bk *nr}
{ppp q *p}
{ bnp * *}
{* * p BQ}
{ *BPP* *}
{* P * * }
{PP * PPP}
{RN* *RK }
$$\showboard$$


Is White's attack worth a piece? 

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 11.:  Nf6 12. Qh6 Rf8 13. f4 e*d4\protect\end{chess} }

Else White fatally opens the f-file.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 14. e5! d*c3+ 15. Kh1 c*b2\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bk r *}
{ppp q *p}
{ bnp n Q}
{* * P B }
{ *B* P *}
{* * * * }
{Pp * *PP}
{RN* *R*K}
$$\showboard$$


{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 16. e*f6 R*f6 17. Q*f6 b*a1=Q 18. Q*a1+\protect\end{chess}-  }



{\bf 
}

\subsection{Trap
in the Main Line of the Giuoco Piano with 6. O-O
}
{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Nf6 5. d4 e*d4 6. O-O\protect\end{chess} }

White sometimes plays this uncommon alternative to avoid the main lines
after\protect\begin{chess} 6. c*d4\protect\end{chess}.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 6.: N*e4?\protect\end{chess} }

{\em [\protect\begin{chess}6.: d6\protect\end{chess}]}

{\bf\protect\begin{chess}  7. c*d4 Be7 8. d5 Nb8 9. Re1 Nd6 10. Bb3 O-O 11. Nc3 Ne8 12.
d6\protect\end{chess}}

\board{rnbqnrk*}
{ppppbppp}
{ * P * *}
{* * * * }
{ * * * *}
{*BN *N* }
{PP * PPP}
{R BQR K }
$$\showboard$$


A very clever move.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 12.:  c*d6\protect\end{chess} }

{\em [\protect\begin{chess}12.:  B*d6 13. Bg5 Nf6 14. Nd5 Nc6 15. N*f6+ g*f6 16. Bh6+\protect\end{chess}- ]}

{\em [\protect\begin{chess}12.:  N*d6 13. R*e7 Q*e7 14. Bg5 Qe8 15. Qd3 Nc6 16. Re1+\protect\end{chess}- ]}

{\bf\protect\begin{chess}  13. R*e7 Q*e7 14. Bg5 Nf6 15. Nd5 Qd8 16. Qd4 Nc6 17. Qh4+\protect\end{chess}-  }

{\bf 
}

\subsection{Trap
in the Main Line of the Giuoco Piano with 6. O-O
}
{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Nf6 5. d4 e*d4 6. O-O O-O?\protect\end{chess} }

{\em [again,\protect\begin{chess} 6.: d6\protect\end{chess} is most reliable]}

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 7. c*d4 Bb6 8. d5 Ne7 9. e5 Ne8 10. d6 c*d6 11. e*d6 Ng6 12. Bg5 Nf6
13. Nc3 h6 14. Qd3\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bq rk*}
{pp*p*pp }
{ b P nnp}
{* * * B }
{ *B* * *}
{* NQ*N* }
{PP * PPP}
{R * *RK }
$$\showboard$$


A terrific example of the central pawn raid.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 14.:  Kh7\protect\end{chess} }

{\em [\protect\begin{chess}14.:  h*g5 15. Q*g6\protect\end{chess}]}

{\bf\protect\begin{chess}  15. B*f7! R*f7 16. Ne5 h*g5 17. Q*g6+ Kg8 18. Q*f7+\protect\end{chess} +-  }



{\bf 
}

\subsection{Trap
in the Main Line of the Giuoco Piano with 6. O-O
}
{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Nf6 5. d4 e*d4 6. O-O d*c3\protect\end{chess} }

A little greedy.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 7. e5\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bqk* r}
{pppp*ppp}
{ *n* n *}
{* b P * }
{ *B* * *}
{* p *N* }
{PP * PPP}
{RNBQ*RK }
$$\showboard$$


Black's next is often the right idea, but doesn't work here because of the lag
in development and castling.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 7.:  d5 8. e*f6 d*c4 9. Q*d8+ N*d8 10. f*g7 Rg8 11. N*c3 R*g7 12. Bf4 Ne6
13. Rfe1 c6 14. Ne4 Be7 15. Rad1+\protect\end{chess}/- }

\board{r*b*k* *}
{pp* bprp}
{ *p*n* *}
{* * * * }
{ *p*NB *}
{* * *N* }
{PP * PPP}
{* *RR K }
$$\showboard$$


could you win from here as White? Black cannot afford to play 

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 15.:  N*f4\protect\end{chess} }

because of 

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 16. Nf6+ Kf8 17. Rd8+ B*d8 18. Re8\#\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bbRk *}
{pp* *prp}
{ *p* N *}
{* * * * }
{ *p* n *}
{* * *N* }
{PP * PPP}
{* * * K }
$$\showboard$$


{\bf 
}

\subsection{Trap
in the Main Line of the Giuoco Piano with 6. cxd4
}
{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Nf6 5. d4 e*d4 6. c*d4\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bqk* r}
{pppp*ppp}
{ *n* n *}
{* b * * }
{ *BPP* *}
{* * *N* }
{PP * PPP}
{RNBQK *R}
$$\showboard$$


This is the normal continuation. 

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 6.:  Bb6?\protect\end{chess} }

This isn't!  The Pawns push forward.

{\em [\protect\begin{chess}6.:  Bb4+\protect\end{chess} is best]}

{\bf\protect\begin{chess}  7. d5 Ne7 8. e5 Ne4 9. d6 N*f2 10. Qe2 N*h1 11. Bg5\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bqk* r}
{ppppnppp}
{ b P * *}
{* * P B }
{ *B* * *}
{* * *N* }
{PP *Q*PP}
{RN* K *n}
$$\showboard$$


{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 11.:  Bf2+\protect\end{chess} }

Black intends to get the Queen out via c7 

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 12. Kd1!\protect\end{chess} }

{\em [\protect\begin{chess}12. Kf1 Nf5 13. B*d8\protect\end{chess} }

{\em [or\protect\begin{chess} 13. Qe4 Nhg3+ 14. K*f2 N*e4+ 15. Ke1 N*g5\protect\end{chess}-+ ]}

{\em\protect\begin{chess}  13.:  Ne3+ 14. Q*e3 B*e3\protect\end{chess}-/+  and Black is in the clear]}

{\bf\protect\begin{chess}  12.:  c5 13. B*e7 Qb6 14. Ng5 Rf8 15. Qh5 g6 16. Q*h7+\protect\end{chess}-  }

{\bf 
}

\subsection{Trap
in the Moller Attack 
}
{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Nf6 5. d4 e*d4 6. c*d4 Bb4+ 7. Nc3 N*e4
8. O-O B*c3 9. d5\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bqk* r}
{pppp*ppp}
{ *n* * *}
{* *P* * }
{ *B*n* *}
{* b *N* }
{PP * PPP}
{R BQ*RK }
$$\showboard$$


The Moller Attack 

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 9.:  Ne5?\protect\end{chess}! }

{\em [\protect\begin{chess}9.:  Bf6!\protect\end{chess}]}

{\bf\protect\begin{chess}  10. b*c3 N*c4 11. Qd4 Ncd6?\protect\end{chess} }

{\em [\protect\begin{chess}11.:  f5\protect\end{chess}]}

{\bf\protect\begin{chess}  12. Q*g7 Qf6 13. Q*f6 N*f6 14. Re1+\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*b*k* r}
{pppp*p*p}
{ * n n *}
{* *P* * }
{ * * * *}
{* P *N* }
{P* * PPP}
{R B R K }
$$\showboard$$


{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 14.:  Kf8\protect\end{chess} }

{\em [\protect\begin{chess}14.:  Kd8 15. Bg5 Nde8 16. R*e8+ K*e8 17. Re1+! Kf8 18. Bh6+ Kg8 19.
Re5 d6 20. Rg5\#\protect\end{chess}]}

{\bf\protect\begin{chess}  15. Bh6+ Kg8 16. Re5 Nfe4 17. Re1 f5 18. Re7+\protect\end{chess}- }

\board{r*b* *kr}
{ppppR *p}
{ * n * B}
{* *P*p* }
{ * *n* *}
{* P *N* }
{P* * PPP}
{* * R K }
$$\showboard$$


``and wins", says Znosko-Borovsky. Have a go! 

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 18.:  a5 19. Nd4 b5 20. f3 N*c3 21. Rg7+ Kf8 22. R*d7+ Kg8 23. Rg7+ Kf8 24.
R*c7+ Kg8 25. Rg7+ Kf8 26. Ra7+ Kg8 27. R*a8\protect\end{chess} +-}

{\bf 
}

\subsection{Bernstein's
Trap in the Moller Attack 
}
{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Nf6 5. d4 e*d4 6. c*d4 Bb4+ 7. Nc3 N*e4
8. O-O N*c3 9. b*c3 B*c3 10. Qb3\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bqk* r}
{pppp*ppp}
{ *n* * *}
{* * * * }
{ *BP * *}
{*Qb *N* }
{P* * PPP}
{R B *RK }
$$\showboard$$


{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 10.:  B*a1?\protect\end{chess} }

Black is being terribly greedy.

{\em [\protect\begin{chess}10.:  d5 11. B*d5 O-O 12. B*f7+ Kh8 13. Q*c3 R*f7 14. Ne5 N*e5 15. d*e5
Be6\protect\end{chess} ]}

{\bf\protect\begin{chess}  11. B*f7+ Kf8 12. Bg5 Ne7 13. Ne5 B*d4 14. Bg6 d5 15. Qf3+ Bf5 16.
B*f5 B*e5 17. Be6+ Bf6 18. B*f6+\protect\end{chess}-  
}

\chapter{Some
Variations in the Italian Game
}


{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5\protect\end{chess}}

We will look at the Giuoco Piano with\protect\begin{chess} 4.c3\protect\end{chess}, and Evans' Gambit with\protect\begin{chess} 4.
b4\protect\end{chess}.



\section{Main line Guioco Piano 4. c3 
}
{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 4.:  Nf6\protect\end{chess} }

The alternatives\protect\begin{chess} 4.: Bb6\protect\end{chess}, and\protect\begin{chess} 4.: d6\protect\end{chess} give White a free hand.  We'll have
a look at {\em\protect\begin{chess} 4.: Bb6\protect\end{chess},} the Closed Variation in section B later.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess}  5. d4 e*d4\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bqk* r}
{pppp*ppp}
{ *n* n *}
{* b * * }
{ *BpP* *}
{* P *N* }
{PP * PPP}
{RNBQK *R}
$$\showboard$$


{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 6. c*d4\protect\end{chess} }

White has alternatives:

{\em [\protect\begin{chess}6. e5 d5\protect\end{chess} is no good]}

{\em [You might try one day\protect\begin{chess} 6. b4 Bb6 7. e5 d5 8. e*f6 d*c4\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bqk* r}
{ppp *ppp}
{ bn* P *}
{* * * * }
{ Ppp * *}
{* P *N* }
{P* * PPP}
{RNBQK *R}
$$\showboard$$


{\em For example\protect\begin{chess} 9. b5 Na5 10. Qe2+ Be6 11. f*g7 Rg8 12. N*d4 B*d4 13. c*d4 Q*d4
14. Bb2 Qd3 15. Bf6 Qg6 16. Qf3 R*g7 17. Nd2 Q*g2 18. Qa3\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r* *k* *}
{ppp *prp}
{ * *bB *}
{nP* * * }
{ *p* * *}
{Q * * * }
{P* N PqP}
{R * K *R}
$$\showboard$$


{\em which is wonderfully messy]}

{\em [Lastly, White has\protect\begin{chess} 6. O-O\protect\end{chess} hoping for\protect\begin{chess} 6.: d*c3 7. N*c3\protect\end{chess} with a big lead in
development.  There are examples of this line in the section on Traps, but it
is neglected in many books on the opening]}

After\protect\begin{chess} 6. c*d4\protect\end{chess} Black must reply 

{\bf\protect\begin{chess}  6.:  Bb4+\protect\end{chess} }

{\em [\protect\begin{chess}6.:  Bb6\protect\end{chess} does nothing to slow White's plan - see the game by
Boleslavsky in the ideas section if you are not convinced!]}



Now White can play the risky {\em\protect\begin{chess} 7. Nc3\protect\end{chess}} or the safe {\em\protect\begin{chess} 7. Bd2\protect\end{chess}.}



\subsection{Risky
main line 7. Nc3
}
{\bf\protect\begin{chess}  7. Nc3\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bqk* r}
{pppp*ppp}
{ *n* n *}
{* * * * }
{ bBPP* *}
{* N *N* }
{PP * PPP}
{R BQK *R}
$$\showboard$$


{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 7.:  N*e4\protect\end{chess} }

{\em [Instead\protect\begin{chess} 7.:  d5\protect\end{chess} can be tried, which is probably not as good: e.g.
}

{\em\protect\begin{chess} 8. e*d5 N*d5 9. O-O Be6 10. Bg5 Be7 11. B*d5 B*d5 12. N*d5 Q*d5 13. B*e7
N*e7 14. Re1 f6 15. Qe2 Qd7\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r* *k* r}
{pppqn pp}
{ * * p *}
{* * * * }
{ * P * *}
{* * *N* }
{PP *QPPP}
{R * R K }
$$\showboard$$


{\em Black's King is caught in the centre, and cannot easily leave.  }

{\em Now White can try either:}

{\em\protect\begin{chess} 16. Qe4\protect\end{chess} or}

{\em\protect\begin{chess} 16. Rac1\protect\end{chess} }

{\em For example:\protect\begin{chess}  16. Rac1 c6 17. d5 c*d5 18. Nd4 Kf7 19. Ne6 Rhc8 20. Qg4 g6
21. Ng5+ Ke8 22. R*e7+ Kf8 23. Rf7+ Kg8 24. Rg7+ Kh8 25. R*h7+ Kg8 26. Rg7+ Kh8
27. Qh4+ K*g7 28. Qh7+ Kf8 29. Qh8+ Ke7 30. Qg7+ Ke8 31. Qg8+ Ke7 32. Qf7+ Kd8
33. Qf8+ Qe8 34. Nf7+ Kd7 35. Qd6\#\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*r*q* *}
{pp*k*N* }
{ * Q pp*}
{* *p* * }
{ * * * *}
{* * * * }
{PP * PPP}
{* R * K }
$$\showboard$$


{\em An attractive `swallowtail mate' in a game which Fritz produced from
memory]}

White continues in bold style with

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 8. O-O\protect\end{chess} }

Black has a further choice:

{\em\protect\begin{chess}  8.: B*c3\protect\end{chess}, the Moller attack}

{\em\protect\begin{chess}  8.: N*c3\protect\end{chess}, avoiding  the Moller}

We'll look at the avoiding line first, as it's such a good example of
how quickly White can win in the Giuoco Piano.




 
Black
avoids the Moller

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 8.: N*c3\protect\end{chess} }

\board{r*bqk* r}
{pppp*ppp}
{ *n* * *}
{* * * * }
{ bBP * *}
{* n *N* }
{PP * PPP}
{R BQ*RK }
$$\showboard$$


White has to play

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 9. b*c3\protect\end{chess} }

when Black has another choice

{\em  Greedy\protect\begin{chess} 9.: B*c3\protect\end{chess} }

{\em  Safer\protect\begin{chess} 9.: d5\protect\end{chess}}

{\bf 
}


 
Bernstein's
line: greedy\protect\begin{chess} 9.: B*c3\protect\end{chess} 

\board{r*bqk* r}
{pppp*ppp}
{ *n* * *}
{* * * * }
{ *BP * *}
{* b *N* }
{P* * PPP}
{R BQ*RK }
$$\showboard$$


Reply

{\bf\protect\begin{chess}  10. Ba3\protect\end{chess}}

{\em [\protect\begin{chess}10. Qb3\protect\end{chess} is also fun: see the Traps section]}

\board{r*bqk* r}
{pppp*ppp}
{ *n* * *}
{* * * * }
{ *BP * *}
{B b *N* }
{P* * PPP}
{R *Q*RK }
$$\showboard$$


This is Bernstein's line, and Black no longer has a satisfactory reply.  When I
came across this line as a junior I fell in love with it, and always tried to
play it.

The most important one to deal with is the most obvious:

{\em\protect\begin{chess} 10.:  B*a1\protect\end{chess} }

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 11. Re1+ Ne7 12. B*e7 Q*e7 13. R*e7+ K*e7 14. Qe1+ Kf8 15. Q*a1\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*b* k r}
{pppp*ppp}
{ * * * *}
{* * * * }
{ *BP * *}
{* * *N* }
{P* * PPP}
{Q * * K }
$$\showboard$$


with extra material, and White's attack is far from over.  Black must back out
earlier.



{\em\protect\begin{chess} 10.:  d6\protect\end{chess} }

is also insufficient

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 11. Rc1 Ba5 12. Qa4 a6 13. Bd5 Bb6 14. R*c6 Bd7 15. Re1+ Kf8 16. R*d6 c*d6
17. B*d6+ Kg8 18. B*f7+ K*f7 19. Qb3+ Kg6 20. Ne5+\protect\end{chess} }

\board{r* q * r}
{*p*b* pp}
{pb B *k*}
{* * N * }
{ * P * *}
{*Q* * * }
{P* * PPP}
{* * R K }
$$\showboard$$


{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 20.: Kf6\protect\end{chess} }{\em [\protect\begin{chess}20.:  Kh5 21. Qf3+ Kh6 22. Nf7+ Kg6 23. N*d8 B*d8 24.
Q*b7\protect\end{chess}]}

{\bf\protect\begin{chess}  21. Qf7+ Kg5 22. Q*g7+ Kh5 23. g4+ B*g4 24. Q*g4+ Kh6 25. Nf7\#\protect\end{chess}}

{\bf  }

{\em\protect\begin{chess} 10.:  d5\protect\end{chess} }

Often a good idea but here is no good either:

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 11. Bb5 B*a1 12. Re1+ Be6 13. Qa4 Qc8 14. B*c6+ b*c6 15. Q*c6+ Kd8 16. Ng5
Qb8\protect\end{chess}}

\board{rq k * r}
{p p *ppp}
{ *Q*b* *}
{* *p* N }
{ * P * *}
{B * * * }
{P* * PPP}
{b * R K }
$$\showboard$$




{\em\protect\begin{chess} 10.:  Qf6\protect\end{chess}}

Not even close 

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 11. Rc1 Bb4 12. B*b4 N*b4 13. Re1+\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*b*k* r}
{pppp*ppp}
{ * * q *}
{* * * * }
{ nBP * *}
{* * *N* }
{P* * PPP}
{* RQR K }
$$\showboard$$




{\em\protect\begin{chess} 10.:  Ne7\protect\end{chess} }

best: the game might go

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 11. Qb3 d5 12. Q*c3 d*c4 13. Rfe1 Be6 14. B*e7 K*e7 15. d5 Q*d5 16. Rad1 Qc5
17. Re5 Qb6\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r* * * r}
{ppp kppp}
{ q *b* *}
{* * R * }
{ *p* * *}
{* Q *N* }
{P* * PPP}
{* *R* K }
$$\showboard$$


White now can finish nicely:

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 18. R*e6+ Q*e6\protect\end{chess} }

else Qxg7+ is terrible

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 19. Re1 Q*e1+ 20. Q*e1+ Kd8 21. Ne5\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r* k * r}
{ppp *ppp}
{ * * * *}
{* * N * }
{ *p* * *}
{* * * * }
{P* * PPP}
{* * Q K }
$$\showboard$$


when White should be able to handle the Pawns, which lack support from the
Rooks.

{\bf 
}


 
Bernstein:
the safer\protect\begin{chess} 9.:  d5\protect\end{chess} 

\board{r*bqk* r}
{ppp *ppp}
{ *n* * *}
{* *p* * }
{ bBP * *}
{* P *N* }
{P* * PPP}
{R BQ*RK }
$$\showboard$$


This may be really where Black should back out.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 10. c*b4 d*c4 11. Re1+\protect\end{chess} }

{\em [A safer line for White here is\protect\begin{chess} 11. b5 Ne7 12. Ba3 O-O 13. Qe2 Re8
14. Q*c4\protect\end{chess}]}

{\bf\protect\begin{chess}  11.:  Ne7\protect\end{chess} }

\board{r*bqk* r}
{ppp nppp}
{ * * * *}
{* * * * }
{ PpP * *}
{* * *N* }
{P* * PPP}
{R BQR K }
$$\showboard$$


{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 12. Qe2\protect\end{chess} }

{\em [John Walker suggests the piece sacrifice with\protect\begin{chess} 12. Bg5 f6\protect\end{chess} }

{\em [not\protect\begin{chess} 12.:  Be6 13. B*e7 Q*e7 14. d5\protect\end{chess}]}

{\em\protect\begin{chess}  13. Qe2 f*g5 14. N*g5\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bqk* r}
{ppp n pp}
{ * * * *}
{* * * N }
{ PpP * *}
{* * * * }
{P* *QPPP}
{R * R K }
$$\showboard$$


{\em ...which certainly puts Black under pressure, but it's not my style.]}

After\protect\begin{chess} 12. Qe2\protect\end{chess} Fritz wanted to play out a game it knew about, which
ran:

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 12.:  Be6 13. Bg5 Qd7 14. Qe5 c6 15. Q*g7 O-O\protect\end{chess}-O\protect\begin{chess} 16. Ne5 Qd5 17. Qf6 Ng6 18.
h4 Rhg8 19. N*g6 h*g6 20. Rac1 b5 21. a4 Q*d4 22. a*b5 Q*f6 23. B*f6 Rd3 24.
b*c6 Kc7 25. R*e6 f*e6 26. R*c4\protect\end{chess}}

\board{ * * *r*}
{p k * * }
{ *P*pBp*}
{* * * * }
{ PR* * P}
{* *r* * }
{ * * PP*}
{* * * K }
$$\showboard$$


White's exchange deficit is compensated by the pawns

If you don't fancy this you can always play {\em\protect\begin{chess} 11.b5\protect\end{chess}}.




 
Moller
attack

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 8.:  B*c3\protect\end{chess} }

Now the key reply is\protect\begin{chess} 9. d5\protect\end{chess}, although we will look at\protect\begin{chess} 9. b*c3\protect\end{chess} below. 

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 9. d5\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bqk* r}
{pppp*ppp}
{ *n* * *}
{* *P* * }
{ *B*n* *}
{* b *N* }
{PP * PPP}
{R BQ*RK }
$$\showboard$$


{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 9.:  Bf6\protect\end{chess} }

Neither 

{\em [\protect\begin{chess}9.:  Na5\protect\end{chess} ?]}

nor

{\em [\protect\begin{chess}9.:  Nd6\protect\end{chess} ?]}

are any good.

{\em [\protect\begin{chess}9.:  Ne5\protect\end{chess} is better, but after\protect\begin{chess} 10. b*c3 N*c4 11. Qd4 f5\protect\end{chess} Keene and Levy
 give\protect\begin{chess} 12. Q*c4 d6 13. Nd4 O-O 14. f3 Nc5\protect\end{chess}} with advantage

(Alert and anxious reader: ``What about\protect\begin{chess} 11.: Ncd6?\protect\end{chess}  What about\protect\begin{chess} 11.: O-O?\protect\end{chess}"
What indeed?)
]


{\em  [And after\protect\begin{chess} 9.:  Ne7\protect\end{chess} White continues logically\protect\begin{chess} 10. b*c3 O-O 11. Re1 Nf6 12.
Bg5 Ng6 13. d6 h6 14. Qd3 h*g5 15. Q*g6 c*d6 16. N*g5 Qc7 17. B*f7+ Kh8 18. Re3\protect\end{chess}
}

\board{r*b* r k}
{ppqp*Bp }
{ * p nQ*}
{* * * N }
{ * * * *}
{* P R * }
{P* * PPP}
{R * * K }
$$\showboard$$


{\em winning]}

After\protect\begin{chess} 9.: Bf6\protect\end{chess}, the only try is

\board{r*bqk* r}
{pppp*ppp}
{ *n* b *}
{* *P* * }
{ *B*n* *}
{* * *N* }
{PP * PPP}
{R BQ*RK }
$$\showboard$$


{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 10. Re1\protect\end{chess} }

{\em [If\protect\begin{chess} 10. d*c6 b*c6 11. Re1\protect\end{chess} Black can continue\protect\begin{chess} 11.: O-O 12. R*e4 d5 13.
Rf4 d*c4 14. Qa4 c3 15. b*c3 B*c3 16. Rb1 Qd3 17. Rbb4 Ba6 18. Rbc4 B*c4 19.
R*c4 Rab8\protect\end{chess} -+]}

{\bf\protect\begin{chess}  10.:  Ne7 11. R*e4 d6 12. Bg5 B*g5 13. N*g5\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bqk* r}
{ppp nppp}
{ * p * *}
{* *P* N }
{ *B*R* *}
{* * * * }
{PP * PPP}
{R *Q* K }
$$\showboard$$


{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 13.:  O-O\protect\end{chess} }

{\em [BCO reckons a better line is\protect\begin{chess} 13.:  h6 14. Qh5 O-O 15. Rae1 Nf5 16.
N*f7\protect\end{chess} }

{\em [\protect\begin{chess}16. Ne6 f*e6 17. d*e6 Ne7\protect\end{chess} -+ BCO2]}

{\em\protect\begin{chess}  16.:  Qf6\protect\end{chess} Zak]}


{\bf\protect\begin{chess}  14. N*h7 K*h7\protect\end{chess} }

{\em [or\protect\begin{chess} 14.:  Bf5 15. Rh4\protect\end{chess}=]}

{\bf\protect\begin{chess}  15. Qh5+ Kg8 16. Rh4 f5 17. Re1 Re8\protect\end{chess} }

{\em [We saw ...Ng6 in the Traps section above]}

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 18. Re6 Kf8 19. Be2 N*d5 20. Q*f5+ Kg8 21. Qh7+ Kf7 22. R*e8 K*e8 23.
Qg8+ Kd7 24. Bg4+ Kc6 25. Q*d8\protect\end{chess} winning}


\board{r*bQ * *}
{ppp * p }
{ *kp * *}
{* *n* * }
{ * * *BR}
{* * * * }
{PP * PPP}
{* * * K }
$$\showboard$$


If this is all a bit much, White can go instead

{\em\protect\begin{chess}  9. b*c3\protect\end{chess} }

{\em  when\protect\begin{chess} 9.:  d5\protect\end{chess} }

is OK for Black.

\board{r*bqk* r}
{ppp *ppp}
{ *n* * *}
{* *p* * }
{ *BPn* *}
{* P *N* }
{P* * PPP}
{R BQ*RK }
$$\showboard$$


White is still ahead in development but Black still has a pawn.  At Grandmaster
level they have given up on this line, thinking White cannot get enough of an
attack going.  At club level, though, there may be enough meat left to chew.

Let's look at two example lines, to see how games might go.

{\em\protect\begin{chess} 10. Bb5 O-O 11. Qc2 Bf5 12. Bd3 Bg6 13. Rb1 Nd6 14. Ba3 b6 15. Ne5 B*d3 16.
Q*d3 Ne7 17. Rfe1 f6 18. Ng4 Qd7 19. Qh3 Rad8 20. Rb2 Ng6 21. Qf3 Rfe8 22. Rbe2
R*e2 23. R*e2 Ne4 24. h3 Qa4 25. Bb2 Q*a2 26. Ne3\protect\end{chess}}

\board{ * r *k*}
{p p * pp}
{ p * pn*}
{* *p* * }
{ * Pn* *}
{* P NQ*P}
{qB *RPP*}
{* * * K }
$$\showboard$$


{\em when it has all gone minty for White.}

So White can try instead

{\em\protect\begin{chess} 10. Be3 d*c4 11. Re1 f5 12. Nd2 Kf7 13. N*e4 f*e4 14. R*e4 Qf6 15. Qe2 Bf5
16. Q*c4+ Kg6 17. Re3 Rae8 18. Rae1 R*e3 19. R*e3 h5 20. h3 h4 21. d5 Ne5 22.
Q*c7 Nd3 23. Q*b7 Bc8 24. Qc6 Q*c6 25. d*c6 Nf4 26. Re7 a6\protect\end{chess}}

\board{ *b* * r}
{* * R p }
{p*P* *k*}
{* * * * }
{ * * n p}
{B P * *P}
{P* * PP*}
{* * * K }
$$\showboard$$


{\em when White has enough pawns to account for the piece, but their scattered
placing makes it hard to play for a win.}

 If you are not convinced by any of these lines (and while they are
worth a punt in practice the theory is against them) you can always play safe
on move 7.  So let's look at that next.

{\bf 
}

\subsection{Safe
main line 7. Bd2
}
{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 7. Bd2\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bqk* r}
{pppp*ppp}
{ *n* n *}
{* * * * }
{ bBPP* *}
{* * *N* }
{PP B PPP}
{RN*QK *R}
$$\showboard$$


{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 7.:  B*d2+ 8. Nb*d2 d5\protect\end{chess} }

Of course.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 9. e*d5 N*d5\protect\end{chess} }

{\em [A solid line is\protect\begin{chess} 10. O-O O-O 11. Nb3\protect\end{chess}]}

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 10. Qb3 Nce7 11. O-O O-O\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bq rk*}
{ppp nppp}
{ * * * *}
{* *n* * }
{ *BP * *}
{*Q* *N* }
{PP N PPP}
{R * *RK }
$$\showboard$$


White has several alternatives in this well-known position:

{\em [\protect\begin{chess}12. Ne5\protect\end{chess}]}

{\em [\protect\begin{chess}12. Ne4\protect\end{chess}]}

{\em [\protect\begin{chess}12. B*d5\protect\end{chess}]}

{\em [\protect\begin{chess}12. Rae1\protect\end{chess}]}

{\em [\protect\begin{chess}12. Rfe1\protect\end{chess}]}



 For an example of\protect\begin{chess} 12. Rfe1\protect\end{chess} see the games section.

{\bf 
}

\subsection{The
closed variation 4...Bb6
}
{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 4.:  Bb6 5. d4 Qe7\protect\end{chess} }

{\em [\protect\begin{chess}6. O-O+\protect\end{chess}= is good enough, but try instead...]}

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 6. Bg5\protect\end{chess} }

\board{r*bqk*nr}
{pppp*ppp}
{ bn* * *}
{* * p B }
{ *BPP* *}
{* P *N* }
{PP * PPP}
{RN*QK *R}
$$\showboard$$


This continuation was discovered by Jonathan Mestel and helped him win the UK
Championship in 1975.  Of course, Black doesn't want to weaken the King's-side
with ...f6, when Nxe5 looks very dangerous.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess}  6.:  Nf6 7. d5 Nd8 8. d6 c*d6\protect\end{chess} }

The capture with\protect\begin{chess} 8.: Q*d6 9. Q*d6 c*d6\protect\end{chess} is no safer for Black.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 9. Na3 a6 10. Nc2 B*f2+ 11. Ke2 Bc5 12. Nh4 Ne6 13. Nf5\protect\end{chess} +- }

\board{r*b*k* r}
{*p*pqppp}
{p* pnn *}
{* b pNB }
{ *B*P* *}
{* P * * }
{PPN*K*PP}
{R *Q* *R}
$$\showboard$$


Mestel-Doyle `75; White has a large positional advantage and may be winning.


\section{Evans'
Gambit 4. b4
}


{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 4. b4\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bqk*nr}
{pppp*ppp}
{ *n* * *}
{* b p * }
{ PB*P* *}
{* * *N* }
{P*PP PPP}
{RNBQK *R}
$$\showboard$$



\subsection{Evans'
Gambit Declined (4...Bb6)
}
{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 4.:  Bb6\protect\end{chess} }

The best way to refute a gambit is to accept it.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 5. a4 a6 6. Nc3 d6\protect\end{chess} }

{\em [\protect\begin{chess}6.:  Nf6 7. Nd5 N*d5 8. e*d5 e4 9. d*c6 e*f3 10. Q*f3 Qe7+ 11. Kd1
d*c6 12. Re1 Be6 13. Bb2\protect\end{chess} +=/+- estrin]}

{\bf\protect\begin{chess}  7. Nd5 Ba7 8. d3 h6\protect\end{chess} }

{\em [\protect\begin{chess}8.:  Nce7\protect\end{chess} Fritz]}

{\bf\protect\begin{chess}  9. Be3\protect\end{chess} +=}

\board{r*bqk*nr}
{bpp *pp }
{p*np * p}
{* *Np * }
{PPB*P* *}
{* *PBN* }
{ *P* PPP}
{R *QK *R}
$$\showboard$$


 With an edge for White - Panov/Estrin]

{\bf  
}

\subsection{Evans'
Gambit Accepted (4...Bxb4)
}
{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 4.:  B*b4\protect\end{chess} }

{\em [If instead\protect\begin{chess} 4.:  N*b4 5. c3 Nc6 6. d4\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bqk*nr}
{pppp*ppp}
{ *n* * *}
{* b p * }
{ *BPP* *}
{* P *N* }
{P* * PPP}
{RNBQK *R}
$$\showboard$$


{\em transposes to the\protect\begin{chess} 5.: Bc5\protect\end{chess} variation]}



{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 5. c3\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bqk*nr}
{pppp*ppp}
{ *n* * *}
{* * p * }
{ bB*P* *}
{* P *N* }
{P* P PPP}
{RNBQK *R}
$$\showboard$$


Black has three choices:

{\em\protect\begin{chess} 5.:  Ba5\protect\end{chess} }

{\em\protect\begin{chess} 5.:  Bc5\protect\end{chess} }

{\em\protect\begin{chess} 5.:  Be7\protect\end{chess} }

{\bf 
}


 
Evans'
Gambit with\protect\begin{chess} 5.:  Bc5\protect\end{chess} 

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 5.:  Bc5 6. d4 e*d4 7. O-O\protect\end{chess} }

\board{r*bqk*nr}
{pppp*ppp}
{ *n* * *}
{* b * * }
{ *BpP* *}
{* P *N* }
{P* * PPP}
{RNBQ*RK }
$$\showboard$$


{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 7.: d6\protect\end{chess} }

{\em [\protect\begin{chess}7.:  d3 8. Ng5 Nh6 9. N*f7\protect\end{chess} +- BCO2\protect\begin{chess} 9.:  N*f7 10. Qh5\protect\end{chess}]}

{\bf\protect\begin{chess}  8. c*d4 Bb6 9. Nc3 Na5 10. Bg5 Ne7\protect\end{chess} }

{\em [\protect\begin{chess}10.:  f6 11. Bf4 N*c4 12. Qa4+ Qd7 13. Q*c4 Qf7 14. Nd5\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*b*k*nr}
{ppp *qpp}
{ b p p *}
{* *N* * }
{ *QPPB *}
{* * *N* }
{P* * PPP}
{R * *RK }
$$\showboard$$


{\em\protect\begin{chess} 14.:  g5 15. Bg3 Be6 16. Qa4+ Bd7 17. Qa3 Rc8 18. Rfe1 g4 19. N*b6 a*b6 20.
Nd2 Be6 21. f4 g*f3 22. N*f3 Ne7 23. e5 f*e5 24. d*e5 d5 25. Rf1 Nf5 26.
Nd4\protect\end{chess}}

\board{ *r*k* r}
{*pp *q*p}
{ p *b* *}
{* *pPn* }
{ * N * *}
{Q * * B }
{P* * *PP}
{R * *RK }
$$\showboard$$


{\em when it's still awkward for Black}

Now an old analysis goes: 

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 11. B*f7+ K*f7 12. Nd5 Re8 13. B*e7 R*e7 14. Ng5+ Kg8 15. Qh5 h6 16. Qg6
h*g5 17. Nf6+ Kf8 18. Nh7+ Kg8 19. Nf6+\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bq *k*}
{ppp r p }
{ b p NQ*}
{n * * p }
{ * PP* *}
{* * * * }
{P* * PPP}
{R * *RK }
$$\showboard$$


with a draw by perpetual check - Tchigorin



 
Evans'
Gambit with\protect\begin{chess} 5..Be7\protect\end{chess}

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 5.:  Be7\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bqk*nr}
{ppppbppp}
{ *n* * *}
{* * p * }
{ *B*P* *}
{* P *N* }
{P* P PPP}
{RNBQK *R}
$$\showboard$$


{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 6. d4\protect\end{chess} }

{\em [\protect\begin{chess}6. Qb3 Nh6 7. d4 Na5 8. Qb5 N*c4 9. B*h6 g*h6 10. Q*c4\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bqk* r}
{ppppbp*p}
{ * * * p}
{* * p * }
{ *QPP* *}
{* P *N* }
{P* * PPP}
{RN* K *R}
$$\showboard$$


{\em unclear: Harding-Hodgson corr. 1975]}

{\bf\protect\begin{chess}  6.:  Na5 7. N*e5 N*c4 8. N*c4 d5 9. e*d5 Q*d5 10. Ne3 Qd7 11. O-O
Nf6 12. c4 O-O\protect\end{chess} }

{\em [\protect\begin{chess}12.:  b5\protect\end{chess} = Nunn]}

{\bf\protect\begin{chess}  13. Nc3 c6 14. d5 c*d5 15. Nc*d5 N*d5 16. N*d5\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*b* rk*}
{pp*qbppp}
{ * * * *}
{* *N* * }
{ *P* * *}
{* * * * }
{P* * PPP}
{R BQ*RK }
$$\showboard$$


{\bf += Nunn-Larsen 1980}

White has a small edge.  

 The most famous recent example of this line is of course:




\subsection{Kasparov,
Gary-Anand, Viswanathan, Riga 1993
}
{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 B*b4 5. c3 Be7 6. d4 Na5 7. Be2\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bqk*nr}
{ppppbppp}
{ * * * *}
{n * p * }
{ * PP* *}
{* P *N* }
{P* *BPPP}
{RNBQK *R}
$$\showboard$$


A new move 

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 7.:  e*d4 8. Q*d4 Nf6 9. e5 Nc6 10. Qh4 Nd5 11. Qg3 g6 12. O-O Nb6\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bqk* r}
{ppppbp*p}
{ nn* *p*}
{* * P * }
{ * * * *}
{* P *NQ }
{P* *BPPP}
{RNB *RK }
$$\showboard$$


The Black king never escapes the centre 

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 13. c4 d6 14. Rd1 Nd7 15. Bh6 Nc*e5 16. N*e5 N*e5 17. Nc3\protect\end{chess} }

Develop before attacking with a move like Bg7

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 17.:  f6 18. c5 Nf7 19. c*d6 c*d6 20. Qe3 N*h6 21. Q*h6 Bf8\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bqkb r}
{pp* * *p}
{ * p ppQ}
{* * * * }
{ * * * *}
{* N * * }
{P* *BPPP}
{R *R* K }
$$\showboard$$


White's lead on development could hardly be greater 

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 22. Qe3+ Kf7\protect\end{chess} 23. }

{\bf Nd5 Be6\protect\begin{chess} 24. Nf4 Qe7 25. Re1\protect\end{chess} 1-0}

\board{r* * b r}
{pp* qk*p}
{ * pbpp*}
{* * * * }
{ * * N *}
{* * Q * }
{P* *BPPP}
{R * R K }
$$\showboard$$


{\em [\protect\begin{chess}25.:  Qd7 26. Bb5 Q*b5 27. Q*e6+ Kg7 28. Nd5 Qb2 29. Rab1\protect\end{chess}] }

{\em [\protect\begin{chess}25.:  Re8 26. N*e6 Q*e6 27. Q*e6+ R*e6 28. Bc4\protect\end{chess}] }

{\em [\protect\begin{chess}25.:  Bh6 26. Bc4\protect\end{chess}] }

 An amazing destruction of the then world No.3 and his PCA
championship challenger. 

{\bf 
}


 
Evans'
Gambit with\protect\begin{chess} 5.:  Ba5\protect\end{chess} 

\board{r*bqk*nr}
{pppp*ppp}
{ *n* * *}
{b * p * }
{ *B*P* *}
{* P *N* }
{P* P PPP}
{RNBQK *R}
$$\showboard$$


This is the best line.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess}  6. d4 d6\protect\end{chess} }

Lasker's Defence, which led to some disillusionment with the Gambit.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 7. Qb3\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bqk*nr}
{ppp *ppp}
{ *np * *}
{b * p * }
{ *BPP* *}
{*QP *N* }
{P* * PPP}
{RNB K *R}
$$\showboard$$


Black has three tries here, but only the last is trustworthy:

{\em A.\protect\begin{chess} 7.:  Qe7\protect\end{chess} }

{\em B.\protect\begin{chess} 7.:  N*d4\protect\end{chess} }

{\em C.\protect\begin{chess} 7.:  Qd7\protect\end{chess} }

{\bf 
}


 
Lasker's
Defence with\protect\begin{chess} 7.:  Qe7\protect\end{chess} 

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 7.:  Qe7\protect\end{chess} }

\board{r*b*k*nr}
{ppp qppp}
{ *np * *}
{b * p * }
{ *BPP* *}
{*QP *N* }
{P* * PPP}
{RNB K *R}
$$\showboard$$


The trouble with this move is that the Nc6 has no good retreat, and must
advance.  This leads to trouble.  The game might go:

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 8. d5 Nd4 9. N*d4 e*d4 10. Qa4+ Kd8 11. Q*a5 Q*e4+ 12. Kd2 Q*g2 13. Re1 Nf6
14. Bd3 Q*f2+ 15. Re2 Qg1\protect\end{chess} }

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 16. Na3 Bg4 17. Bb2 d*c3+ 18. B*c3 Qb6 19. B*f6+ g*f6 20. Qc3 Kd7 21. Bb5+
c6 22. d*c6+ b*c6 23. B*c6+ Kd8 24. Q*f6+ Kc7 25. Re7+ K*c6 26. Rc1+\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r* * * r}
{p * Rp*p}
{ qkp Q *}
{* * * * }
{ * * *b*}
{N * * * }
{P* K * P}
{* R * * }
$$\showboard$$


{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 26.:  Qc5 27. R*c5+ K*c5 28. Qc3+ Kb6 29. Qb4+ Kc6 30. Qb5\#\protect\end{chess}}

{\bf  
}


 
Lasker's
Defence with\protect\begin{chess} 7.:  N*d4\protect\end{chess} 

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 7.:  N*d4\protect\end{chess} }

\board{r*bqk*nr}
{ppp *ppp}
{ * p * *}
{b * p * }
{ *BnP* *}
{*QP *N* }
{P* * PPP}
{RNB K *R}
$$\showboard$$


{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 8. N*d4 e*d4 9. B*f7+ Kf8 10. O-O d*c3 11. e5 Qe7\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*b* knr}
{ppp qBpp}
{ * p * *}
{b * P * }
{ * * * *}
{*Qp * * }
{P* * PPP}
{RNB *RK }
$$\showboard$$


If White consolidates, Black's lost King will die.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 12. B*g8 R*g8 13. e*d6 Qe5 14. Na3 Be6 15. Q*b7 Bd5 16. Qb5 Bb6 17. Nc4 Qe4
18. Ne3\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r* * kr*}
{p p * pp}
{ b P * *}
{*Q*b* * }
{ * *q* *}
{* p N * }
{P* * PPP}
{R B *RK }
$$\showboard$$


This move holds the game for White.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 18.:  Bc6\protect\end{chess} }

{\em [\protect\begin{chess}18.:  B*e3 19. f*e3+ Bf7 20. d*c7\protect\end{chess}]}

{\bf\protect\begin{chess}  19. Qb3 c*d6 20. Ba3 g6 21. Rad1 Kg7 22. Q*c3+ Kh6 23. Bc1 Kh5\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r* * *r*}
{p * * *p}
{ bbp *p*}
{* * * *k}
{ * *q* *}
{* Q N * }
{P* * PPP}
{* BR*RK }
$$\showboard$$


{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 24. Nd5\protect\end{chess}}



 
Lasker's
Defence with\protect\begin{chess} 7.:  Qd7\protect\end{chess} 

This is the only satisfactory line.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 7.:  Qd7\protect\end{chess} }

covers f7

\board{r*b*k*nr}
{pppq*ppp}
{ *np * *}
{b * p * }
{ *BPP* *}
{*QP *N* }
{P* * PPP}
{RNB K *R}
$$\showboard$$


Now as far as I can find out the best try for White here is:

{\bf\protect\begin{chess}  8. d*e5!\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*b*k*nr}
{pppq*ppp}
{ *np * *}
{b * P * }
{ *B*P* *}
{*QP *N* }
{P* * PPP}
{RNB K *R}
$$\showboard$$


Now Black has:

{\em CI:\protect\begin{chess}  8.: d*e5\protect\end{chess}}

{\em CII:\protect\begin{chess} 8.: Bb6\protect\end{chess}}



{\bf Variation CI:\protect\begin{chess} 8.:  d*e5\protect\end{chess} }

\board{r*b*k*nr}
{pppq*ppp}
{ *n* * *}
{b * p * }
{ *B*P* *}
{*QP *N* }
{P* * PPP}
{RNB K *R}
$$\showboard$$


{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 9. O-O Bb6 10. Rd1 Qe7 11. a4 a6\protect\end{chess} }

{\em [\protect\begin{chess}11.:  a5\protect\end{chess} is less safe:}

{\em\protect\begin{chess} 12. Bd5 Bg4 13. Rd3 Be6 14. Ba3\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r* *k*nr}
{*pp qppp}
{ bn*b* *}
{p *Bp * }
{P* *P* *}
{BQPR*N* }
{ * * PPP}
{RN* * K }
$$\showboard$$


{\em +- Shaposhnikov-Veltmander 1958]}

{\bf  }

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 12. Ba3 Qf6\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*b*k*nr}
{*pp *ppp}
{pbn* q *}
{* * p * }
{P*B*P* *}
{BQP *N* }
{ * * PPP}
{RN*R* K }
$$\showboard$$


{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 13. a5 B*a5 14. Bd5 Bb6 15. Nbd2 Nge7 16. Nc4 Ba7 17. Rd2\protect\end{chess} 8/= }

With enough compensation for the material, according to Estrin.



{\bf Variation CII:\protect\begin{chess} 8.:  Bb6\protect\end{chess} }

\board{r*b*k*nr}
{pppq*ppp}
{ bnp * *}
{* * P * }
{ *B*P* *}
{*QP *N* }
{P* * PPP}
{RNB K *R}
$$\showboard$$


This may be the best line for Black.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 9. Bb5 a6 10. Ba4 Qe6 11. B*c6+ b*c6 12. O-O Rb8 13. Q*e6+ f*e6 14. e*d6
c*d6 15. Ba3\protect\end{chess}}

\board{ rb*k*nr}
{* * * pp}
{pbppp* *}
{* * * * }
{ * *P* *}
{B P *N* }
{P* * PPP}
{RN* *RK }
$$\showboard$$


{\bf += }

In this endgame, White has a slight advantage, according to Estrin.


\chapter{Appendix
1. Why is it called ``Italian"?
}
 The play most characteristic of the late 1700s and later was dominated by the
style of the Italian MODENESE SCHOOL - Italian players and writers like DEL
RIO, LOLLI and PONZIANI, through whom the {\em Italian Game} ({\em Guioco
Piano} and related  openings) came into prominence.  Fast development
followed by {\em attack} was the name of the game, and beyond this it is
difficult to see much theory at all; players were concerned with direct attack
- to mate, or lose gloriously in the attempt.  From this period we inherit all
the older tactical variations of the {\em King's Gambit} and {\em Guioco
Piano}, where sacrifices were common and their acceptance almost routine.
This period should not be though of as artless - it produced legions of fine
analysts and several games of genius, and much was learned about the art of
attack.  

 Sadly, when players learned to decline or return sacrificed material, a lot of
the steam went out of these openings.  e.g. an old line of the {\em Danish
Gambit} goes {\bf 1 e4, e5; 2 d4, exd4; 3 c3, exc3; 4 Bc4, cxb2; 5 Bxb2}.
If Black clings to the material White will have a good time, but MIESES showed
{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 5.: d5\protect\end{chess}; 6 Bxd5, Nf6} secures open lines and probably the two Bishops.
The best line for White here is probably {\em 7 Bxf7+ Kxf7; 8 Qxd8, Bb4+ 9 Ke2,
Rxd8} when Black has no extra material but can play to win the ending with
the {\em Queen's-side majority}.  Technique was replacing romance in chess.

 The play of the American Paul MORPHY brought some additional science to all
this, not that everyone recognised it at the time.  Through his games he showed
that a successful attack must be based on a lead in {\em development}.
Similarly, he showed that a player who is behind in development must not open
lines to `free their position', since these lines will provide avenues along
which the better-developed side will attack - instead, they should keep things
closed until they have caught up a bit.  Morphy's play was the Italian game
perfected, and I have used many of his games in this booklet.



\chapter{Appendix
2. Oh, if you must... some ideas for playing the Giuoco Pianissimo
}
 If you must play the {\bf Guioco Pianissimo}, here are some quick hot
tips for this line. 

\board{r*bqk* r}
{ppp *ppp}
{ *np n *}
{* b p * }
{ *B*P* *}
{* NP*N* }
{PPP* PPP}
{R BQK *R}
$$\showboard$$


 {\em Don't be in a hurry to castle}: your opponent may play ...Bg4 (or Bg5)
and pin your knight against the Queen.  If you have castled you probably won't
be able to play h3 (or ...h6) without dangerously weakening your king.
Steinitz discovered that the sacrificial idea {\em\protect\begin{chess} 6. O-O\protect\end{chess}, Bg4;\protect\begin{chess} 7. h3\protect\end{chess}, h5!\protect\begin{chess}
8.h*g4\protect\end{chess}, hxg4} was playable for Black in many positions (see below) because
of the attack on the King down the open h-file: once the Queen gets to h5 White
is finished.  Even playing {\em\protect\begin{chess} 1.e4\protect\end{chess}, e5;\protect\begin{chess} 2. Nf3\protect\end{chess}, Nc6;\protect\begin{chess} 3. Bc4\protect\end{chess}, Bc5;\protect\begin{chess} 4. Nc3\protect\end{chess}, Nc6;\protect\begin{chess}
5. d3\protect\end{chess}, d6;\protect\begin{chess} 6.h3\protect\end{chess}} is not advisable as Black may play the standard sacrifice
...Bxh3 at some point, or lever open your king's side with ...g7-g5-g4.

 The key question in this line is: {\em how are you going to develop your queen's
bishop}?  White on move six can go {\em\protect\begin{chess} 6. Be3\protect\end{chess}} hoping for {\em\protect\begin{chess} 6.: B*e3\protect\end{chess};\protect\begin{chess} 7.
f*e3\protect\end{chess}} when there is a juicy half-open f-file to attack along.  Black is
better off calmly retreating with {\em\protect\begin{chess} 6.: Bb6\protect\end{chess}} or even leaving the Bishop at
c5.  

 The analysts gradually agreed that 6{\em .Bg5, the }{\bf Canal
Variation}{\em , is the best move}.  One line of this goes
{\em\protect\begin{chess} 6.: h6\protect\end{chess}}; (this is OK for Black before castling) when the main line goes
{\em\protect\begin{chess} 7.B*f6\protect\end{chess}, Qxf6;\protect\begin{chess} 8.Nd5\protect\end{chess}, Qd8}. White has given up the Bishop pair to achieve
a bit of initiative.  [{\em There is a hairy line with {\bf\protect\begin{chess} 6.Bg5\protect\end{chess}, h6;\protect\begin{chess} 7.B*f6\protect\end{chess},
Qxf6;\protect\begin{chess} 8.Nd5\protect\end{chess}, Qg6!?\protect\begin{chess} 9.N*c7\protect\end{chess}}+ which is supposed to be poor for Black if White
plays {\bf\protect\begin{chess} 9.Rg1\protect\end{chess}} instead, but White has to prove it!}]  Other ways to play
for Black are to hit the other bishop with {\em\protect\begin{chess} 6.: Na5\protect\end{chess}} (as in the final
game) or to play himself {\em\protect\begin{chess} 6.: Be6\protect\end{chess}}.

 in the Canal Variation: to {\em emphasise the pin on the Nf6,} if you're
allowed, with moves like Nd5, and otherwise threaten to give Black doubled, and
therefore weak, f-pawns.  I played a miniature with this theme at the British
Universities' Congress some years ago:


\subsection{Regis
(Exeter) - Orpwood (Salford), 1987.  
}
{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. d3 Bb4 5. Nge2 O-O 6. O-O d6 7. Bg5 Na5 8.
B*f6! g*f6 9. Nd5 Bc5 10. b4 N*c4 11. d*c4 c6 12. b*c5 c*d5 13. c*d5 d*c5\protect\end{chess}
DIAGRAM}

\board{r*bq rk*}
{pp* *p*p}
{ * * p *}
{* pPp * }
{ * *P* *}
{* * * * }
{P*P*NPP*}
{R *Q*RK }
$$\showboard$$


{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 14. Ng3 Kh8 15. Qh5 Qd7? 16. Qh6 Qd6 17. Nh5 Rg8 18. N*f6 Rg7 19. Q*g7+\protect\end{chess} 1-0
}

(Ne8+ will leave White a rook ahead)

 again in the Canal Variation: move the Nc3 to e.g. d5 and {\em play for c3 and
d4} with a central space advantage.  The knight on c3 can relocate to
e3...

 {\em try to open up the f-file with f4}: this will require you to play Be3 to
stop a check from the Bc5 and to move the other Knight e.g. Nh4.  From h4 the
Knight can threaten to go to f5 when Black may be reluctant to remove it by
...g6 which will create weaknesses.  A Queen's Knight that has travelled from
c3-d5-e3 also puts pressure on this square, and if Black does play g6 then
Ne3-g4 hits all the soft spots.

And here are some traps:


\subsection{A
trap in the Giuoco Pianissimo
}
{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. d3 d6 5. Nc3 Nf6 6. Bg5 h6 7. B*f6 Q*f6 8.
Nd5 Qd8 9. c3\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bqk* r}
{ppp *pp }
{ *np * p}
{* bNp * }
{ *B*P* *}
{* PP*N* }
{PP * PPP}
{R *QK *R}
$$\showboard$$


{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 9.:  Be6\protect\end{chess} ? }

{\em [better is\protect\begin{chess} 9.:  Ne7\protect\end{chess}]}

{\bf\protect\begin{chess}  10. d4\protect\end{chess} +/-\protect\begin{chess} 10.:  e*d4 11. c*d4 Bb4+ 12. N*b4 B*c4 13. N*c6 b*c6 14.
Qc2\protect\end{chess} }

{\bf 
}

\subsection{Another
trap in the Giuoco Pianissimo
}
{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. d3 Nf6 5. Nc3 O-O?\protect\end{chess}! }

too early

{\em [better is\protect\begin{chess} 5.:  d6\protect\end{chess}]}

\board{r*bq rk*}
{pppp*ppp}
{ *n* n *}
{* b p * }
{ *B*P* *}
{* NP*N* }
{PPP* PPP}
{R BQK *R}
$$\showboard$$


{\bf\protect\begin{chess}  6. Bg5 h6 7. Bh4 Bb4 8. O-O B*c3 9. b*c3 g5\protect\end{chess} }

Normally you cannot afford to do this in front of your castled King.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 10. N*g5 h*g5 11. B*g5 Kg7 12. f4+\protect\end{chess}- }

with a strong attack

{\bf 
}

\subsection{One
more trap in the Giuoco Pianissimo
}
{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. O-O?\protect\end{chess}! }

{\em [better is\protect\begin{chess} 4. c3\protect\end{chess}]}

{\bf\protect\begin{chess}  4.:  Nf6 5. d3 d6 6. Bg5?\protect\end{chess} }

{\em [better is\protect\begin{chess} 6. Be3\protect\end{chess}]}

{\bf\protect\begin{chess}  6.:  h6 7. Bh4 g5 8. Bg3 h5! 9. N*g5 h4\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bqk* r}
{ppp *p* }
{ *np n *}
{* b p N }
{ *B*P* p}
{* *P* B }
{PPP* PPP}
{RN*Q*RK }
$$\showboard$$


{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 
10.N*f7 h*g3 11.N*d8 Bg4 12.Qd2 Nd4 13.Nc3 Nf3+ 14.g*f3 B*f3\protect\end{chess}} and wins 0-1


 Even armed with all these ideas it's really not that good a line to play.  I
include one last game which is intended to put you off it for life!



\subsection{Example
Game in the Giuoco Pianissimo: Chambers-Vorhees (Dayton, Ohio) 1972
}
{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. d3 d6 5. O-O\protect\end{chess} }

Too early: invites ...Bg4.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 5.: Nf6\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bqk* r}
{ppp *ppp}
{ *np n *}
{* b p * }
{ *B*P* *}
{* *P*N* }
{PPP* PPP}
{RNBQ*RK }
$$\showboard$$


This is a prime example of how not to play for this position for White.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 6. Ng5\protect\end{chess} }

Premature.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 6.: O-O 7. B*f7+ R*f7 8. N*f7 K*f7\protect\end{chess} }

White has snatched what he can.  

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 9. h3\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r*bq * *}
{ppp *kpp}
{ *np n *}
{* b p * }
{ * *P* *}
{* *P* *P}
{PPP* PP*}
{RNBQ*RK }
$$\showboard$$


Well, this does stop ...Bg4, but invites a worse fate.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 9.:  Be6 10. Nc3 Qd7 11. Qf3\protect\end{chess} }

Not good enough, I'm afraid.

{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 11.: Nd4 12. Qd1\protect\end{chess}}

\board{r* * * *}
{pppq*kpp}
{ * pbn *}
{* b p * }
{ * nP* *}
{* NP* *P}
{PPP* PP*}
{R BQ*RK }
$$\showboard$$


{\bf\protect\begin{chess} 12.:  B*h3 13. g*h3 Q*h3 14. Be3 Nf3+\protect\end{chess} 0-1}






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Dr. Dave

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