Italian Game: Classical Variation, Tarrasch Variation position after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.c3 Qe7 5.d4 Bb6 6.O-O d6 7.a4 a6 8.h3 Nf6 9.Re1. White: pawn on a4, bishop on c4, pawn on d4, pawn on e4, pawn on c3, knight on f3, pawn on h3, pawn on b2, pawn on f2, pawn on g2, rook on a1, knight on b1, bishop on c1, queen on d1, rook on e1, king on g1. Black: rook on a8, bishop on c8, king on e8, rook on h8, pawn on b7, pawn on c7, queen on e7, pawn on f7, pawn on g7, pawn on h7, pawn on a6, bishop on b6, knight on c6, pawn on d6, knight on f6, pawn on e5.
Italian Game: Classical Variation, Tarrasch Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.c3 Qe7 5.d4 Bb6 6.O-O d6 7.a4 a6 8.h3 Nf6 9.Re1. It is classified C53 in the ECO system, and the position after these moves has black to move. The Italian Game develops the bishop to c4, aiming it directly at Black's weakest square, f7. It is among the oldest recorded openings and one of the most recommended for beginners, because every move follows the basic principles of development and central control without requiring memorisation.
Strategic character
Play can go two very different ways. The Giuoco Pianissimo leads to slow build-ups with a closed centre and long manoeuvring, while the Evans Gambit and the older main lines with an early d4 produce sharp open games with early sacrifices.
Who should play it
Beginners and improving players. The Italian teaches central control, rapid development, and king safety without punishing you for not knowing theory.
This line is a variation within the Italian Game family. The strategic ideas above describe the family as a whole; this particular line reaches them by the move order 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.c3 Qe7 5.d4 Bb6 6.O-O d6 7.a4 a6 8.h3 Nf6 9.Re1.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Italian Game: Classical Variation, Tarrasch Variation?
The Italian Game: Classical Variation, Tarrasch Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.c3 Qe7 5.d4 Bb6 6.O-O d6 7.a4 a6 8.h3 Nf6 9.Re1. It is classified C53 in the ECO system. The Italian Game develops the bishop to c4, aiming it directly at Black's weakest square, f7. It is among the oldest recorded openings and one of the most recommended for beginners, because every move follows the basic principles of development and central control without requiring memorisation.
What are the moves of the Italian Game: Classical Variation, Tarrasch Variation?
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.c3 Qe7 5.d4 Bb6 6.O-O d6 7.a4 a6 8.h3 Nf6 9.Re1. After these moves it is black to move.
Is the Italian Game: Classical Variation, Tarrasch Variation good for beginners?
Beginners and improving players. The Italian teaches central control, rapid development, and king safety without punishing you for not knowing theory.