ECO code: C58
Italian Game: Two Knights Defense, Polerio Defense
This opening arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Ng5 d5 5. exd5 Na5. The defining characteristic of this line is Black's aggressive knight sortie to a5, immediately challenging White's bishop on c4 and aiming to undermine White's pressure on the center and f7-square.
From Black's perspective, this move is both defensive and counterattacking. By playing Na5, Black seeks to deflect White's bishop and relieve some central tension, while preparing to contest the center more actively. White remains in an attacking posture, leveraging the knight on g5 and the pawn center to pressure Black’s vulnerable f7-square.
The opening is fundamentally focused on contesting the center. White initially challenges the center with the pawn capture on d5 and the knight on g5, aiming for a direct assault on Black’s position. Black responds dynamically, aiming to disrupt White’s center control and develop counterplay.
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: Two Knights Defense, Polerio Defense, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 45 - Move #7 white