ECO code: C53
Italian Game: Classical Variation, La Bourdonnais Variation
This variation arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 d6 5. d4 exd4 6. cxd4 Bb6. It is a classical line within the Italian Game where White aims to challenge Black’s control of the center early with the pawn thrust d4, supported by c3.
Characteristic of the move 6...Bb6: Black retreats the bishop to b6 to maintain pressure on the central and diagonal squares while avoiding exchanges that would concede the bishop pair. This move also keeps the bishop active and ready to influence the center and kingside.
From White's perspective, this opening is attacking and focuses on gaining central space and initiating early pressure in the center with the d4 pawn push. Black's setup is more defensive but flexible, aiming to maintain a solid pawn structure and counterattack opportunities.
The Italian Game, particularly in this variation, is very much about control and contest of the center. White aggressively challenges the center to open lines for pieces, while Black seeks to hold and counterbalance White’s central presence.
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.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Italian Game: Classical Variation, La Bourdonnais Variation, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 5 - Move #8 black