The Italian Game - Key Ideas, Concepts, Main Lines (15-Minute Chess Opening Series)

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

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[babycakes]

Best openings video I've seen from any YouTuber. Don't be afraid to make them longer

[isaiahyoungblood]

I love when you say, “and now we’re playing chess”

[andrewokr]

Terrific overview of the opening most of us newer players most likely learn first. It's often said don't memorize openings (very true) but you'd be hard pressed to find a situation more frustrating than feeling like you're trapped behind your own pieces as a beginner. This is, BY FAR, the best quick overview of the basic strategic ideas behind the various lines in the Italian Game and what tactics to look for.

[taunon.]

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.

[madisont]

this is most relevant opening video ive watched. all of the positions actually seemed familiar to me and im currently rated 932 for your reference

[cacilian]

One of the best opening videos, the classical variation really shows you how much chess has evolved built-on over time

[c_legendofficial]

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.

[kamnasharma]

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!

[toastbrot]

I was literally looking up lines for the italian game a couople hours ago. I was actually looking for responses for black this is still immensely helpful!

[somerandomdudefes]

I know there are bigger chess youtubers, but you're doing something special here. Keep it up.

[jjelf]

Best chess channel on YouTube brother. Been following you since you started. You'll pop soon my friend. Get ready for this

[donaldcreech]

Amazing video! Would love more of these of different openings. Especially French Defense and King's Gambit!

[TheLonelyNihilego]

The timing of this video is impeccable

[Deadeye]

I like that you teach both sides point of view as you go along in the video, other teachers just focus on one side's point of view. This is a very good video to get the basics of the Itlalian game and all the main variations, I'm much clearer now, I just need to remember the main ideas now.

[roblodocus]

The traxler was the first ever opening I learned lines for and I still use it today. Lot of fun but even at my level people often take with the bishop.

[andygoh]

What a champ !
Effortless and yet, terrific videos

[alexlaporta]

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

[chessforfunonly]

15 minute opening lessons is an excellent concept!
Can you do these on Colle, London system, Scotch, English, KIA, Modern defense, Hippo?
Thank you very much, Nelsi! <3

[Texan_Ranger]

I like your guides, especially the consistent daily uploads that provide insightful, interesting and enjoyable content for all! Keep it up!

[jonbbbb]

This video is so nice. I really like how you cover ideas for both sides! And the historical evolution of lines is fascinating.