Italian Game: Two Knights Defense, Yurdansky Attack position after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Bc4 Nf6 5.O-O Nxe4 6.Re1 d5 7.Bxd5 Qxd5 8.Nc3 Qa5 9.Nxe4 Be6 10.Bg5 h6 11.Bh4 g5 12.Nf6+ Ke7 13.b4. White: knight on f6, pawn on b4, bishop on h4, knight on f3, pawn on a2, pawn on c2, pawn on f2, pawn on g2, pawn on h2, rook on a1, queen on d1, rook on e1, king on g1. Black: rook on a8, bishop on f8, rook on h8, pawn on a7, pawn on b7, pawn on c7, king on e7, pawn on f7, knight on c6, bishop on e6, pawn on h6, queen on a5, pawn on g5, pawn on d4.
Italian Game: Two Knights Defense, Yurdansky Attack is a chess opening that arises after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Bc4 Nf6 5.O-O Nxe4 6.Re1 d5 7.Bxd5 Qxd5 8.Nc3 Qa5 9.Nxe4 Be6 10.Bg5 h6 11.Bh4 g5 12.Nf6+ Ke7 13.b4. It is classified C56 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.d4 exd4 4.Bc4 Nf6 5.O-O Nxe4 6.Re1 d5 7.Bxd5 Qxd5 8.Nc3 Qa5 9.Nxe4 Be6 10.Bg5 h6 11.Bh4 g5 12.Nf6+ Ke7 13.b4.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Italian Game: Two Knights Defense, Yurdansky Attack?
The Italian Game: Two Knights Defense, Yurdansky Attack is a chess opening that arises after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Bc4 Nf6 5.O-O Nxe4 6.Re1 d5 7.Bxd5 Qxd5 8.Nc3 Qa5 9.Nxe4 Be6 10.Bg5 h6 11.Bh4 g5 12.Nf6+ Ke7 13.b4. It is classified C56 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: Two Knights Defense, Yurdansky Attack?
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Bc4 Nf6 5.O-O Nxe4 6.Re1 d5 7.Bxd5 Qxd5 8.Nc3 Qa5 9.Nxe4 Be6 10.Bg5 h6 11.Bh4 g5 12.Nf6+ Ke7 13.b4. After these moves it is black to move.
Is the Italian Game: Two Knights Defense, Yurdansky Attack good for beginners?
Beginners and improving players. The Italian teaches central control, rapid development, and king safety without punishing you for not knowing theory.