Major ideas and lines in the Italian Game for WHITE and BLACK. The Two Knight’s Defense, Giuoco Piano, Fried Liver Attack, Traxler Counterattack, Na5 lines and Evans Gambit are covered.
Follow along with the video with this PGN:
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 (3… Nf6 4. Ng5 (4. d3) (4. Nc3 Nxe4 5. Nxe4 d5) 4… d5 (4… Bc5 5. Nxf7 (5. Bxf7+ Ke7) 5… Bxf2+ 6. Kxf2 Nxe4+) 5. exd5 Nxd5 (5… Na5 6. Bb5+ c6 7. dxc6 bxc6 8. Qf3 Be7 9. Bxc6+ Nxc6 10. Qxc6+ Bd7 11. Qf3 O-O) 6. Nxf7 Kxf7 7. Qf3+ Ke6) (3… Be7 4. O-O Nf6 5. Ng5 O-O 6. Nxf7 Rxf7 7. Bxf7+ Kxf7) 4. c3 (4. Nc3 Nf6 5. d3 d6 6. Bg5 h6 7. Bxf6 (7. Bh4 g5 8. Bg3) 7… Qxf6 8. Nd5 Qd8) (4. b4 Bxb4 5. c3 Ba5 6. d4) 4… Nf6 5. d4 exd4 6. cxd4 Bb4+ 7. Nc3 (7. Bd2 Bxd2+ (7… Nxe4 8. Bxb4 Nxb4 9. Bxf7+ Kxf7 10. Qb3+) 8. Nbxd2) 7… Nxe4 8. O-O Nxc3 (8… Bxc3 9. bxc3 (9. d5 Bf6 10. Re1 Ne7 11. Rxe4 O-O 12. Bg5 Bxg5 13. Nxg5 d6 14. Nxh7 Kxh7 15. Qh5+ Kg8 16. Rh4 f6) 9… d5) 9. bxc3 Bxc3 10. Qb3 Bxa1 11. Bxf7+ Kf8 12. Bg5 Ne7 13. Re1 *
Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro
1:57 – Be7 sideline
2:44 – Two Knight’s Defense
3:28 – Fried Liver Attack
4:17 – Na5 (Polerio Defense)
6:00 – Quiet d3
6:38 – Traxler Counterattack
7:30 – Nc3?
8:35 – Giuoco Piano
8:52 – Quiet Nc3
9:56 – Evans Gambit
10:25 – Classical, c3 (Main Line)
14:29 – Summary
⚡ 229 Chess Skills Blueprint ⚡
✅ My Courses! ✅
The chess set behind me:
The Pieces:
The Board:
👕 New Shirts! 👕
☑️ Play Chess Here:
☑️ Support Nelson Here:
Links are affiliate links and help support the Chess Vibes channel via a commission.
5:15 whatt if queen comes d7
Thanks!
Thank you so much for this video, this is simply perfect for my level (I'm 1200ish ELO)! Have been looking for a good opening series on YT for ages, but only found overly complicated content that ends up discouraging someone who's approaching openings' study, love how you manage to stay linear and simple in the explanation while still introducing several variants, please keep doing this series
I know there are bigger chess youtubers, but you're doing something special here. Keep it up.
I'm getting back into it after a long time and love these videos. Found your channel from the Vienna Gambit which a computer played against me. I didn't know what I played was even called an Italian Game, but this has always been my opening as white.
Make more such opening videos
1st

I new to chess man
Haven't yet watched the video but I know it's gonna be 🔥🔥
I like your guides, especially the consistent daily uploads that provide insightful, interesting and enjoyable content for all! Keep it up!
Only 7 likes? 😨
Earlier than normal!
Thanks for good information. It is my time to beat opponents with Italy game.
Hey Nelson! My request to you is that whenever you get time, can you make a similar 15 minute opening course for a offbeat opening against e4. I ask this because I am really tired of playing e5 in response to e4. I feel like I hand over the game completely to my opponent. Sometimes some of them play the kings gambit, Danish gambit, Vienna game, and what not. I would really like such a opening that surprises my opponents and gives me a upper hand. I feel like this would help many people struggling and frustrated like me. Thanks in advance. Take care.
Your 2 hour chess study video made me want to start playing chess. I am also subscribed to bigger chess channels, but your videos are much more inspiring and motivating.
Oh damn it! Been waiting for a series like this! Top notch Hanging Pawns content! I don't think many of us will mind even on a 30 mins series, if you're free to do them. Anyhow, thanks for the series!
Best openings video I've seen from any YouTuber. Don't be afraid to make them longer
What about e5 instead of cxd4 after exd4? It has a better win rate because the opponent needs to play the only move d5 after that and leads to very interesting lines too.
how about instead of b4 the evans gambit,
is playing a3 first and then b4 good?
Something my brother does a lot in this position is he'll play d3, then Bg5.
a whole video about the italian game and he didnt even say jerome once