Chess opening · ECO C57

Italian Game: Two Knights Defense, Knight Attack

The Italian Game: Two Knights Defense, Knight Attack starts 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Ng5. It ranks #97 of the 174 openings on this site by how often rated players on Lichess reach it.

The position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Ng5. Black to move.

Move by move

  1. 1. e4White pushes the e-pawn two squares to e4, staking a claim in the center.
  2. 1... e5Black pushes the e-pawn two squares to e5, staking a claim in the center.
  3. 2. Nf3White develops the kingside knight to f3.
  4. 2... Nc6Black develops the queenside knight to c6.
  5. 3. Bc4White develops the light-squared bishop to c4.
  6. 3... Nf6Black develops the kingside knight to f6.
  7. 4. Ng5White moves the knight from f3 to g5.

What players choose next, by rating

The three most common Black moves from this position in rated Lichess games, grouped by the rating of the player making the move. d5 is the most popular next move in every rating band.

RatingMost commonSecondThird
Under 1200d5 67%Qe7 13%Bc5 6%
1200–1399d5 80%Bc5 8%Qe7 5%
1400–1599d5 83%Bc5 12%Nxe4 3%
1600–1799d5 87%Bc5 12%Nxe4 2%
1800–1999d5 85%Bc5 13%Nxe4 2%
2000 and upd5 82%Bc5 18%–

Related openings

Italian Game: Two Knights DefenseThe line this one grows fromItalian Game: Two Knights Defense, Fried Liver AttackA variation of this lineItalian Game: Two Knights Defense, Traxler CounterattackA variation of this line

Practice it against a human-like opponent.

BeaconChess opponents open from these same books, then play human-like moves for their level while the coach explains your moves in plain English. The first coached game is free.

Play a free coached game →

Played this opening recently?

Paste the game into the free analyzer to find the moves that cost you, with each mistake explained. Three analyses are free, with no email or card.

Analyze a game free →