Italian Game vs Scotch Game

Both start 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6; they split on move 3. The Italian (3.Bc4) develops the bishop towards f7 and usually builds the centre slowly with c3 and d4. The Scotch (3.d4) opens the centre at once: after 3...exd4 4.Nxd4 the position is open and the pieces come out fast, with fewer quiet manoeuvres to learn.

• Move 3: the Italian develops a bishop (3.Bc4); the Scotch strikes in the centre (3.d4).
• Centre: the Italian often keeps the tension and prepares d4 with c3; the Scotch trades the d-pawn for Black's e-pawn straight away.
• Black's main answers: 3...Bc5 or 3...Nf6 against the Italian; 4...Bc5 or 4...Nf6 against the Scotch.
• Feel: Italian games can be slow or sharp; Scotch games are open from the start, so piece activity matters more than long plans.

1. 1. e4

   1.e4 takes the center and opens lines for the queen and the light-squared bishop.

2. 1... e5

   Black stakes an equal claim in the center.

3. 2. Nf3

   2.Nf3 develops toward the center and attacks e5.

4. 2... Nc6

   Black defends e5 while developing.

5. 3. Bc4

   3.Bc4, the Italian! The bishop eyes f7, which only the king defends.

The plan: castle, play c3 and d4 to build a big center, and keep pressure on f7.

Who should play it: Beginners and improving players who answer 1.e4 e5 often: the ideas (develop, castle, control the centre) are the opening principles themselves. Players who like both slow manoeuvring and the option of a quick attack on f7.

1. 1. e4

   1.e4 takes the centre and opens lines for the queen and the light-squared bishop.

2. 1... e5

   Black claims an equal share of the centre.

3. 2. Nf3

   2.Nf3 develops towards the centre and attacks the e5 pawn.

4. 2... Nc6

   Black defends e5 with the knight.

5. 3. d4

   3.d4, the Scotch! Instead of developing a bishop first (Bc4 or Bb5), White challenges e5 at once.

6. 3... exd4

   Black takes on d4: the main answer, and Stockfish's choice too. Defending e5 with ...d6 instead gives White more space.

7. 4. Nxd4

   4.Nxd4. White has the e4 pawn in the centre, Black has no centre pawn left, and White's pieces have open lines.

The plan: develop quickly (Nc3, a bishop, castle) and use the space the e4 pawn gives you. Black's main answers are 4...Bc5, which attacks the knight on d4, and 4...Nf6, which attacks the e4 pawn.

Who should play it: Players who like open positions and clear plans, and who want to avoid the long theory of the Ruy Lopez. A good next step after the Italian Game.

Italian Game, after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 (99,685,288 games): Bc5 in 38% of games (White wins 49%, draws 4%, Black wins 46%); Nf6 in 31% of games (White wins 50%, draws 4%, Black wins 46%).

Source: Lichess opening explorer, rapid and blitz games rated 1600-2200, fetched 2026-11-06.