Both the center game and the Scotch game have an early move by white for d4. Both openings result in a pretty strong counterattack by black. The Giuoco Piano asks, what if white delays that d4 move until white is better developed? This is a great opening with opportunities for both sides.
- e4 e5
- Nf3 Nc6
- Bc4 Bc5
White develops the king pawn, black does the same. White both attacks the pawn at e5 and also develops the king knight. Black replies by developing the queen knight, which also protects e5. White moves the king bishop to c4, allowing for white to castle short. Black develops the king bishop to c5 to start freeing up space to castle short. Both sides are developing pieces into the center.
4. c3 Nf6
5. d4 exd4
6. cxd4 Bb4+
7. Nc3 Nxe4
8. 0-0
White moved 4.c3 to build up his strength to move 5.d4. There is an exchange in the center, black moves its bishop to check, there is another exchange. By moving 8. …d5 black is getting ready to break open the center. At this point white is down a pawn but is able to execute a strong attack against black.
