I'm in love with Italian game

I believe the very first opening a person learns (besides Scholar's Mate ofc 💀) is the Italian Game. In my opinion, it’s the best opening in chess. It begins with:

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. Bc4

At first glance it looks simple and easy but that's exactly what makes it soo powerful. But why is it so good? Let’s break it down.

• Fast Development

Right from the start, you develop your knight (Ng1 → Nf3) and bishop (Bf1 → Bc4), while also preparing to castle kingside quickly. This gives you safety and activity at the same time.

• Control of center

With this simple line

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. d3 Nf6 5. c3 *

White is already preparing for d4 push to challenge the e5 pawn and gain control the center.

• Aggressive

The Italian Game is aggressive because it develops fast and targets Black’s weak f7 square, often leading to quick kingside attacks and sacrifices.

Conclusion

The Italian Game may look simple at first, but the more you explore it, the more depth you discover. It’s perfect for beginners who want quick, clear development, yet it still offers exciting possibilities for advanced players. No matter your level, the Italian remains one of the most reliable and enjoyable openings in chess.