The Italian Game, move by move

The classic first opening: quick development, a bishop aimed at f7 and an early castle. You play White. Opening code C50.

1. 1. e4 Takes a central square and opens lines for the queen and the light-squared bishop.
2. 1… e5 Black claims an equal share of the centre.
3. 2. Nf3 Develops a knight toward the centre and attacks the pawn on e5.
4. 2… Nc6 Black defends e5 by developing a piece, not by moving a pawn.
5. 3. Bc4 The bishop aims at f7, the weakest square near Black's king: only the king guards it.
6. 3… Bc5 Black copies the idea, pointing a bishop at f2.
7. 4. c3 Prepares d4 later, so White can build a bigger centre.
8. 4… Nf6 Develops and attacks the pawn on e4.
9. 5. d3 Guards e4 calmly. This slow plan is very popular at every level.
10. 5… d6 Supports e5 and opens the way for the bishop on c8.
11. 6. O-O Castles: the king is safe and the rook can come to the centre.
12. 6… O-O Black castles too. Both sides are developed and the real game begins.

The plan from here

Develop the knights and bishops, castle, then prepare d4 or a slow push on the queenside.