This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Giuoco Piano: 4.O-O Nf6
The Giuoco Piano is a classical Italian Game opening that begins with 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5. After White castles with 4. O-O, Black responds with 4... Nf6, developing the knight towards the center and preparing to challenge White’s control.
Characteristic of the move 4...Nf6: This move is a natural developing move that attacks White’s e4-pawn and pressures the center. It also prepares for rapid kingside castling and piece coordination. By placing the knight on f6, Black aims to counterattack rather than just defend.
Attacking or Defensive: For Black, 4...Nf6 is an attacking move, directly challenging White’s center and putting pressure on White’s position. For White, castling early (4.O-O) is a safe and flexible setup that supports central control and prepares for potential attacks in the center or on the kingside.
Center Control: This opening phase focuses strongly on the center. White has a pawn on e4 and pieces aiming at the center squares, while Black’s knight on f6 attacks e4 and supports moves like ...d5 to contest the center. Both sides are actively fighting for central dominance early in the game.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Giuoco Piano: 4.O-O Nf6, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 60 - Move #6 white
You can also discover how top players used Giuoco Piano: 4.O-O Nf6 to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.