Italian Game - Giuoco Piano (C50 - C54)

Conquer the Italian Game (Giuoco Piano) with These Resources!

  Wikipedia Article (Italian Game)

The Italian Game is a family of chess openings beginning with the moves:

1. e4 e5  2. Nf3 Nc6  3. Bc4

Wikipedia Article (Giuoco Piano)

The Giuoco Piano  also called the Italian Game, is a chess opening beginning with the moves: 

 1.e4 e5  2.Nf3 Nc6   3.Bc4 Bc5

The Giuoco Piano can be divided into three major variations based on White's fourth move:

the Main Line (4. c3)
the Evans Gambit (4. b4)           Bishops Bounty Evans Gambit Page Link
the Giuoco Pianissimo (4. d3)

ECO Code

C50    King's pawn game          1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4
C51    Evans gambit declined  1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4
C52    Evans gambit                   1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 Bxb4 5. c3 Ba5
C53    Giuoco Piano                    1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3
C54    Giuoco Piano                    1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Nf6 5. d4 exd4 6. cxd4

BOOKS (Free)

Short & Sweet: Italian Game Free Chessable Course - 13 Trainable Variations

Short & Sweet: Krykun's Italian Game - Free Chessable Course - 25 Trainable Varations

Italian Game Chess Articles

Giuoco Piano at Simplify Chess - In-depth Article Explaining every Move of the Main Lines

The Italian Game at Simplify Chess - In-depth Looking at all lines

The Italian Game at Simplify Chess - In-depth Looking at all lines

GETTING STARTED WITH THE GIUOCO PIANO - Interactive page Explaining every Move of Lines and traps (Pretty Neat)

Giuoco Piano Opening Explained: The Moves, The Why and Variations - Real nice page to get an Overview of the opening.

The Evans Gambit at Simplify Chess -  In-depth Look at this Gambit

Evan’s Gambit Theory (Accepted and Declined) | A Definitive Guide - Nice Guide at RagChess

The Italian Game – Best Openings for Beginners (#1) - ichess.net Page with beginner opening tips.

Italian Game Opening  - Guide by GM Marian Petrov  (Lots Links at Bottom to resources)

Playing the Italian Game like a Pro! (Includes Giuoco Piano) - Chessable Blog Opening Guide

Italian Game LiChess Studys

The Italian 🍕🎏 Game - 15 Chapter  Study
Opening Master - Italian Game: - 9 Chapter Study
The Italian game - 11 Chapter Interactive Study  (You play the moves)
Italian game opening traps - 28 Chapter Study

Listudy page

Italian Game -  7 Variations to Learn and Practice Here.

Game Databases

365Chess.com

C50: King's pawn game 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 - 75,000 games
C51: Evans gambit declined 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 - 3400 Games
C52: Evans gambit 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 Bxb4 5. c3 Ba5 - 1500 Games
C53: Giuoco Piano 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 - 17,000 Games
C54: Giuoco Piano 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Nf6 5. d4 exd4 6. cxd4 - 5200 Games

Chessgames.com

Giuoco Piano (C50) as White- Viswanathan Anand -  48 Games 
Giuoco Piano (C50) as Black - Levon Aronian - 38 Games

Italian Game Video Lessons

 Most All of the Evans Gambit Videos  are on my Evans Gambit Page Here.

Video Playlists

Italian Game Opening Theory Playlist -  28 Videos by IM Astaneh (over 6 hrs)
Italian Opening Playlist - 7 Videos by IM Perunovic   (3.5 Hrs)
Italian Opening Playlist - 7 Videos by IM Perunovic   (3.5 Hrs)
Italian Game - Opening Theory  - 28 Video Playlist  - Chessfactor  (all Lessons)
Italian Game Theory  - 9 Video Playlist  - Hanging Pawns

A Brief History Of The Giuoco Piano - Chess Openings - 20 min IM Koysta Chess Dojo
The Evans Gambit | Italian Game Theory - 36 Min Hanging Pawns
November 17, 2019 Stream Analysis: Italian Game - 49 Min GM Ben Finegold
Attack with the Scotch and Giuoco Piano! - GM Roman Dzindzichashvili - 35 Min
Hidden line in the Italian Game | Crushing Chess Opening for White - 21 Min GM Igor Smirnov
Sync Chess #27: Learn the Italian Game with Eric Rosen and Gauri Shankar - 23 Min
Learn the Italian game with IM Joachim Nilsen - 26 Min
The Italian Game - Beginner Breakdown - 39 Min St Louis CC Lesson
Italian Game Explained | Ultimate Beginner Guide to King Pawn Openings Part 2 - 24 Min 

Giuoco Piano | Italian Game Theory - 30 Min  Hanging Pawns

Grandmaster Pia Cramling Chess Opening Class: The Italian Game - 35 Min
Grandmaster Pia Cramling Chess Opening Class: Tactical Lines in The Italian Game - 66 Min

Anish Giri teaches the Italian | 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 - 2 hr
Italian Game: Basic Repertoire for White -  1hr 40 Min GM Nieksans

Italian Game Traps & Tactics

Early Tactics in the Italian Opening - 20 Min IM Rosen
Chess Secret Traps in the Italian Opening 🤓 with GM Damian Lemos - 27 Min
5 Best Chess Opening Traps in the Italian Game - 18 Min GM Igor Smirnov
Crush the ITALIAN Game with this DEADLY Trap - 13 Min GM Igor Smirnov

Italian Game Videos (w/Analysis)

Italian Game  - 135 Video Playlist  - agadmantor (Famous Games)
The Guioco Piano Collection  - 6 Video playlist - Kingscrusher

The most STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL Giuoco Piano Opening game in Chess History! - 28 Min
Know Your Giuoco Piano | Climbing the Rating Ladder vs. mishtup (1797) - 37 Min  IM Bartholomew
Italian Game: Giuoco Piano | The Sensei Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 14 Min
Not So Quiet Giuoco Piano | Carlsen vs Nakamura: - 9 Min
Standard Chess #168: IM Bartholomew vs. klojo (Giuoco Pianissimo) - 43 Min
Standard Chess #23: IM Bartholomew vs. hek (Giuoco Pianissimo) - 30 Min

GM Daniel Naroditsky

Italian Game: Giuoco Piano | The Sensei Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 14 Min
The Italian Game | The Sensei Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 20 Min
Sacking the Queen!?! | Italian Game | The Sensei Speedrun | GM Naro - 52 Min

Benko Gambit (A57 - A59) Opening Theory

 

Your Complete Benko Gambit Resource

This comprehensive archive unlocks the secrets of the Benko Gambit, equipping you with the knowledge to unleash its full potential on the chessboard.

 Wikipedia Page

The Benko Gambit (or Volga Gambit) is a chess opening characterized by the move 3...b5 in the Benoni Defense arising after:

1. d4 Nf6  2. c4 c5  3. d5 b5
However, it is a bit unusual as gambits go. Black, not White, gives up a pawn for long-term positional compensation.

ECO Code

A57 Sub-variants:

• Benko gambit         
  1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5
• Benko gambit half accepted  
  1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6
• Benko gambit, Zaitsev system 
  1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. Nc3
• Benko gambit, Nescafe Frappe attack 
  1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. Nc3 axb5 6. e4 b4 7. Nb5 d6 8. Bc4
• Benko gambit accepted   
  1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6
• Benko gambit, Nd2 variation 
  1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6 Bxa6 6. Nc3 d6 7. Nf3 g6 8. Nd2
• Benko gambit, fianchetto variation 
  1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6 Bxa6 6. Nc3 d6 7. Nf3 g6 8. g3

A58 Sub-variants:

• Benko gambit accepted
  1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6
• Benko gambit, Nd2 variation
  1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6 Bxa6 6. Nc3 d6 7. Nf3 g6 8. Nd2
• Benko gambit, fianchetto variation
  1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6 Bxa6 6. Nc3 d6 7. Nf3 g6 8. g3

A59 Sub-variants:

• Benko gambit, 7.e4
  1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6 Bxa6 6. Nc3 d6 7. e4
• Benko gambit, Ne2 variation
  1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6 Bxa6 6. Nc3 d6 7. e4 Bxf1 8. Kxf1 g6 9. Nge2
• Benko gambit
  1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6 Bxa6 6. Nc3 d6 7. e4 Bxf1 8. Kxf1 g6 9. g3
• Benko gambit, main line1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6 Bxa6 6. Nc3 d6 7. e4 Bxf1 8. Kxf1 g6 9. g3 Bg7 10. Kg2 O-O 11. Nf3

 Bishop's Bounty Benoni Defense Page

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BOOKS & Courses (Free)

Short & Sweet: Benko Gambit - FREE Chessable Course - 25 Trainable Lines w/ 2.5 hr Video by GM Swapnil Dhopade

Short & Sweet: Perrine's Benko Gambit -FREE Chessable Course - 10 Trainable Lines w/ 34 Min Video by FM Perrine

Internet Archive

The Benko Gambit 1999 - 163 Page PDF - Byron Jacobs & Andrew Kinsman
Benko Gambit Accepted ( 1988) - 114 Page PDF - Eduard Gufeld
The Benko Gambit ( 2005) - 125 Page PDF - Jan Pinski
The Benko Gambit Revealed ( 2004) - 113 Page PDF - Neil McDonald
The Modernized Benko Gambit ( 2018) - 240 Page PDF - Milos Perunovic
Play The Benko Gambit ( 2011) - 212 page PDF - Nicolai V. Pedersen
The Dynamic Benko Gambit ( 2012) - 322 page PDF - Sergey Kasparov
The Benko Gambit Move By Move ( 2014) - 189 Page PDF - Junior tay
Benko Counter Gambit (1978) - 128 Page PDF - David Levy
Winning With The Benko ( 1995) - 145 Page PDF - Byron Jacobs
Dangerous Weapons The Benoni And Benko ( 2008) - John Emms, Chris Ward
The Benko Revisited, Volume 1 ( 2022) - 774 Page PDF - Alexey Kovalchuk
The Benko Revisited, Volume 2 ( 2022) - 659 Page PDF - Alexy Kovalchuk
Mastering The Modern Benoni And The Benko ( 1990) - 168 Page PDF - Robert Bellin

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Benko Gambit ARTICLES

• Benko Gambit - Simplify Chess Page (Very In-depth Guide )
  
  
• Benko Gambit: 10 Reasons to Play It - Article By FM  Zaur Tekeyev
  
  
• The Benko Gambit: A How to Play Guide for White & Black - Opening Guide on Chessable Blog (well Done)
  

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Lichess Studies:Master the Benko Gambit

Lichess Studies are a fantastic way to explore chess concepts and variations in an interactive format. Unlock its secrets with these curated Lichess studies:

• Benko Gambit - 10 Chapter Study - Perfect for beginners, this study focuses on the core main lines of the Benko Gambit.
   
• ⚓️ The Benko Gambit Study ⚓️ - 20 Chapter Study  Delve deeper into Benko Gambit strategy with this comprehensive study analyzing pawn structures and showcasing illustrative games.
  
  
• Benko Gambit: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 b5 - 27 Chapter Study - For dedicated Benko players, this in-depth study offers a deep dive into all the major variations and nuances of the gambit.(In depth )
  
  
•  LiStudy Benko Gambit Page
  (Link to Listudy Page To Practice Lines with LiChess MoveTrainer)
  
  

New to Lichess studies? These interactive tools allow you to explore chess concepts and variations move-by-move, perfect for testing your understanding and deepening your knowledge.

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Game Databases

365 Chess.com Database

• A57: Benko gambit 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 - 22,870 Games 
  
  
• A58: Benko gambit accepted 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6 - 8394 Games
  
  
• A59: Benko gambit, 7.e4 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. bxa6 Bxa6 6. Nc3 d6 7. e4 - 662 Games

Chessgames.com

• Benko Gambit (A57) 1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 c5 3 d5 b5 -  5097 Games
  
  
• Benko Gambit (A58) 1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 c5 3 d5 b5 4 cxb5 a6 5 bxa6 - 2304 Games
  
  
• Benko Gambit (A59) 1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 c5 3 d5 b5 4 cxb5 a6 5 bxa6 Bxa6 6 Nc3 d6 7 e4 - 616 Games
  
  
• Benko Gambit (A57-A59) - 13 Annotated Games  
  

 

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Benko Gambit Video Lessons

Benko Gambit - 3 Video Playlist - FM James Canty   (48 Min)

The Benko Gambit: Lecture by GM Ben Finegold - 54 Min  -  a lecture on the Benko Gambit, discussing its history, key ideas, and why it’s less popular at the top levels today. Finegold delves into the specifics of accepting the gambit, sharing insights from his own experiences and notable games, including Karpov vs. Gelfand and Nakamura vs. Bologan. 

A Detailed Guide to the Benko Gambit - 61 Min Hanging Pawns

The Benko Gambit - Chess Openings with GM Damian Lemos - 31 Min -  Presents a comprehensive guide explaining the key ideas, strategies, and variations of the gambit, emphasizing the importance of initiative and queenside play for black. The video covers the main lines and sub-lines, demonstrating how black can gain active play despite being a pawn down. Lemos also discusses common mistakes by white and how black can capitalize on them. He highlights the value of piece activity over material and provides insights into endgame advantages for black in the Benko Gambit.

The Benko Gambit: A positional sacrifice out of the opening! - IM Andrew Martin - 23 Min

When declining a gambit can be powerful! - IM Andrew Martin  -22 Min

Day 10: Improve your openings with IM Sagar Shah | Benko Gambit | Ft. GM Swapnil Dhopade - 73 Min - They provide insights on improving openings, share historical context, and discuss various strategies and positions related to the Benko Gambit

How to Play the Benko Gambit 💪 Chess Openings for Black with IM Valeri Lilov - 28 Min

Benko Gambit: Main Concepts - 23 Min

THE BEST Opening For Black Against 1.d4 | Benko Gambit | Chess Opening Explained - 14 Min - Coach Kestony - will teach you the best opening for black against 1.d4 where you will be play to win

St Louis Chess Club Lessons

• Benko Gambit - Chess Openings Explained - 54 Min  St. Louis Chess Club Lesson
• Benoni, Benko Gambit | Nimzo Indian - GM Ben Finegold - 2014.01.26 - 37 Min
• Gambits: Benko, Alapin, & More! - GM Yasser Seirawan - 2015.02.15 - 41 Min
• Chess Tactics in the Benko Gambit - IM Robert Ris [80/20 Tactics Multiplier] - 26 Min
• Play Like Pal Benko | Play Like a Pro - GM Denes Boros - 49 Min

Nescafe Frappe attack  

• Chess Openings: Learn to Play the Nescafé Frappe Attack! - 18 Min Chess Giant
  
  
• How to Play The Coffee Opening - 35 Min Anna Cramling

  

Plans Against the Benko

• How To Kill The Benko Gambit! 1975 - BEST NOVELTIES - 17 Min GM Simon Williams - This video series looks at the most important chess opening novelties from the last 50 years. The moves were decided by a Grandmaster jury voted from Chess Informant volume 11 to volume 115.
• Beat the Benko | Road to 2000 - NM Caleb Denby | lichess.org - 54 Min - comprehensive guide on how to counter the Benko Gambit in chess, focusing on white’s strategy. He explains the importance of accepting the gambit, establishing a pawn structure that prevents black’s counterplay, and securing a blockade on the queenside.
  
  
• Alexei Shirov - Crushing the Benko Gambit - My Best Games - Preview 1 - 25 Min
  
  
• Dominate the Benko Gambit by GM Damien Lemos (My Own Game) - 18 Min
  
  
• Benko Gambit Repertoire for White - 23 Min - Four recommended lines for white against the Benko Gambit.
• Crush The Benko Gambit with White!! - 31 Min - IM Miodrag Perunovic (The Butcher) - Discusses various strategies, including psychological approaches and positional ideas, to gain an advantage against this opening. The presenter analyzes model games to illustrate key concepts and moves, such as the importance of pawn structure, piece development, and controlling the center.

  

Benko Gambit Game Videos w/ Analysis

Benko Gambit - 58 Video Playlist - Kingscrusher

Magnus Carlsen Plays Benko Gambit Against Grandmaster Arthur Kogan - 7 Min
Magnus Carlsen Plays Benko Gambit vs Alireza Firouzja - 2 Min
Classic Chess Game: Magnus Carlsen Benko Gambit crush! - 16 Min
Standard Chess #164: IM Bartholomew vs. Pschaak (Benko Gambit) - 41 Min
Blitz Chess #202: IM Bartholomew vs. IM Pichot (Benko Gambit) - 13 Min

Taking Down the Benko Gambit!! | The Sensei Speedrun | GM Naroditsky - 36 Min

Magnus Carlsen Plays Benko Gambit Against Grandmaster Arthur Kogan - 6 Min
Dealing with the Benko Gambit · Training Game - 46 min - Hanging Pawns
Shakhriyar Crushing the Benko Gambit - 9 Min

IM Bartholomews Youtube Page (Benko Gambit search) -  Around 20 Standard and Blitz Games 

Englund Gambit for White & Black: A Complete Guide (A40)

  

Englund Gambit
Explore the Possibilities

The Englund Gambit (1. d4 e5?!)

A daring chess opening that throws traditional positional play out the window.

 Black offers a pawn for rapid development and tactical possibilities, creating an imbalanced but exciting game.

 While not considered sound opening theory for White to accept, the Englund Gambit can be a powerful weapon in the right hands.

Englund Gambit Wikipedia Page

 ( An Interesting , if suspect opening against guys who like to play the London.)

Main Variations

• 2.1 Blackburne–Hartlaub Gambit (1. d4 e5 2. dxe5 d6 )
• 2.2 Soller Gambit
• 2.3 Felbecker Gambit
• 2.4 Zilbermints Gambit
• 2.5 Englund Gambit main line

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Books (Free)

Beat Bad & Pesky Openings - FREE Chessable Course - ( 9 Trainable lines on Defeating the Englund - Chapter 8)

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Englund Gambit Articles

Dealing with the Englund - Chessbase Article - Matthew Lunn analyses and explains how to counter a dubious gambit

Englund Gambit Full Guide - 365Chess.com - Very nice opening Guide w/ Links to Games

Exploring the Englund Gambit Against 1.d4 - GM Igor Smirnov - Nice Article w/ Lessons on several gambits, 3 Deeply Annotated games and a 12 Min Embedded Video.

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LiChess Studies

Englund Gambit Traps - 7 Chapter Study

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Games Databases

Analyze real-life Englund Gambit games from masters to see how theory translates into practical play.

365Chess.com

A40 Queen's pawn, Charlick (Englund) gambit - 1000 Games 

Chessgames.com

Englund Gambit-White wins - 7 Games 

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Englund Gambit Video Lessons

WIN IN 8 MOVES: The Englund Gambit - 35 Min - GothamChess - A comprehensive guide on the Englund Gambit. The video includes theoretical explanations, subscriber games, and practical tips for playing the Englund Gambit successfully.

The Extremely Dodgy ENGLUND GAMBIT 24 Min Kingcrusher - in-depth analysis of the Englund Gambit. It explores various lines and traps associated with the gambit, highlighting its potential for quick victories as well as its inherent dangers, key moves, and strategic ideas.
    The Englund Gambit | Mainline and Traps | Chess Openings | IM Andrey Ostrovskiy - 10 Min How To Play: The Englund Gambit | ChessKid - 5 Min - Learn how to play and win with the Englund Gambit. FunMasterMike even has a few tricks up his sleeves on how to stop this opening. (Beginner) (New - 5/29/24)

 Chess Tips: Chessbrah Aman's Undefeated Opening for Black! Scary Englund Gambit!! -42 Min IM Miodrag Perunovic - a comprehensive guide on how to play the gambit, including various lines and responses to White’s moves. (Video below)

Zilbermints Gambit

• CHESS GAMBITS : COUNTER TO THE ZILBERMINTS GAMBIT - 10 Min
  
  
• Play Chess #10: Englund Gambit Complex: Zilbermints Gambit. 2100 Elo - 4 Min
  
  
• Blackburne–Hartlaub Gambit - 15 Min - IM Greg Shahade and hermansteiner on ICC featuring the Blackburne Gambit in the Phildor Defense/Blackburne-Hartlaub Gambit

Englund Gambit Traps

• Chess Opening: Englund Gambit 1.d4 e5 | Traps and Ideas - 18 Min -  IM Asaf Givon explains how to play this opening for both White and Black sides. He explains how to set traps as Black and how to avoid them as White. Therefore, this video is like a comprehensive repertoire for Englund Gambit.
  
  
• Englund Gambit Opening Trap That Doesn't Work! 95k made this chess opening mistake against d4 - 7 Min  NM Lopez - The exact opening moves and ideas that both white and black players need to be aware of in the Englund gambit in the queen's pawn opening. There are many opening tricks and traps, but I will show you the proper chess tactics and strategies to win in this opening.
  
  
• Traps in the Englund Gambit (1.d4 e5?!) - 10 Min
  
  
• Englund Gambit Traps, Moves & Ideas | Best Checkmate Strategy - 6 Min

Playing Against the Englund

• Destroy your Opponent when He plays Englund Gambit -20 Min - how you win against Black's Englund Gambit and win very fast out of this chess opening by following suggested chess moves, tricks, strategy and traps.
  
  
• Avoid the Tricky Englund Gambit - 10 Min
  
  

Game Videos w/ Analysis

This Englund Gambit Queen Sacrifice is TOO STRONG - 21 Min IM Rosen

Master Class | Ending The Englund Gambit | Chess Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 30 Min

I can't stop winning with the Englund Gambit - 8 Min GM Aman Hambleton

Is the Englund Gambit a Meme Opening? - 40 Min GM Nakamura

TESTING AMAN'S UNDEFEATED OPENING | GM Eric Hansen - 11 Min

UNDEFEATED OPENING? | GM Aman Hambleton - 24 Min

Mastering the Bishop's Opening (C23-C24): A Comprehensive Guide

Control the Center
 The Power of the Bishop's Opening

 

Tired of the Ruy Lopez?
 Looking for a solid yet surprising opening for White?

  The Bishop's Opening (1. e4 e5 2. Bc4)
 offers a unique path to control the center and launch powerful attacks! 

  The Bishop's Opening is not as popular as some other openings, but it can be a good choice for players who want to control the center of the board and play for a solid, positional advantage.

The Bishop's Opening can lead to closed, positional positions, and is a good choice for players who prefer a more measured, strategic approach to the game.

 Black has a number of options for responding to the Bishop's Opening

• Ruy Lopez with 2...Nc6
• Two Knights Defense with 2...Nf6
• Berlin Defense with 2...Nf6 3. d3

This comprehensive guide equips you with everything you need to master this opening, from free articles to video lessons! Become a Bishop's Opening expert and confuse your opponent's today!

Bishop's Opening Wikipedia Page

C23 Sub-variants:

Bishop's opening

1. e4 e5 2. Bc4

Bishop's opening, Philidor counter-attack

1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 c6

Bishop's opening, Lisitsyn variation

1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 c6 3. d4 d5 4. exd5 cxd5 5. Bb5+ Bd7 6. Bxd7+ Nxd7 7. dxe5 Nxe5 8. Ne2

Bishop's opening, Calabrese counter-gambit

1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 f5

Bishop's opening, Calabrese counter-gambit, Jaenisch variation

1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 f5 3. d3

Bishop's opening, Classical variation

1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Bc5

Bishop's opening, Lopez gambit

1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Bc5 3. Qe2 Nc6 4. c3 Nf6 5. f4

Bishop's opening, Philidor variation

1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Bc5 3. c3

Bishop's opening, Pratt variation

1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Bc5 3. c3 Nf6 4. d4 exd4 5. e5 d5 6. exf6 dxc4 7. Qh5 O-O

Bishop's opening, Lewis counter-gambit

1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Bc5 3. c3 d5

Bishop's opening, del Rio variation

1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Bc5 3. c3 Qg5

Bishop's opening, Lewis gambit

1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Bc5 3. d4

Bishop's opening, Wing gambit

1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Bc5 3. b4

Bishop's opening, MacDonnell double gambit

1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Bc5 3. b4 Bxb4 4. f4

Bishop's opening, Four pawns' gambit

1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Bc5 3. b4 Bxb4 4. f4 exf4 5. Nf3 Be7 6. d4 Bh4+ 7. g3 fxg3 8. O-O gxh2+ 9. Kh1

C24 Sub-variants:

Bishop's opening, Berlin defence

1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Nf6

Bishop's opening, Greco gambit

1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Nf6 3. f4

Bishop's opening, Ponziani gambit

1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Nf6 3. d4

Bishop's opening, Urusov gambit

1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Nf6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nf3

Bishop's opening, Urusov gambit, Panov variation

1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Nf6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nf3 d5 5. exd5 Bb4+ 6. c3 Qe7

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BOOKS (Free)

Short & Sweet: Bishop's Opening - FREE Chessable Course -  21 Trainable Variations w/ 1hr & 18 Min of Video (IM Miodrag Perunovic)

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Bishops Opening Chess ARTICLES

Overall Strategy & Concepts:

• The Bishop’s Opening – How to Play It as White and Black - Chessable Blog Opening Guide, Detailed overview of the opening w/ some traps and Lines
  
  
• Bishop’s Opening: Complete Guide - ChessWorld - Opening Guide w/ 2 Annotated Games and embedded 30 Min Video from GM Damien Lemos
  
  
• Bishop’s Opening (Simple and Powerful)  - Remote Chess Academy  (Article w/ 22 Min Video and  3 Very Detailed Annotated games in Lichess Study Format)
  

Specific Variations & Gambits:

• The Jerome Gambit Blog ( All about this one Gambit over 2000 posts???) 
  1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Bxf7+ ...and related lines 
  (risky/Non risky lines, tactics & psychology for fast, exciting play)
  
  
• The Urusov Gambit - Huge Simplify Chess Page (Explaining every Move)

Learning from the Masters:

• Magnus Carlsen’s Bishop’s Opening - Blog Articles 2018 -  Game analysis of a Carlson game vs. Caruana, Historical Context and a 22Min Embeeded Video from GM Daniel King about the Game.
  
  
• Openings for Tactical Players: the Bishop's Opening. - GM Gregory Serper -  Analysis and Puzzles from 4 Famous Games.

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GAMES DATABASES

Level up your Bishop's Opening repertoire with thousands of games at your disposal! Here are some of the best online databases to explore and analyze Bishop's Opening games (C23-C24):

365Chess.com 

• C23: Bishop's opening 1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 - 16,000 Games ( Broken into  15 sub-varients)
  
  
• C24: Bishop's opening, Berlin defence 1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Nf6 - 11,000 Games (Broken into 5 Sub-Varients)

Chessgames.com 

• Bishop's Opening (C23-C24) - 2243 games 
• C24 Urusov-Gambit  - 51 Game Collection

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Bishop's Opening LiChess Studies

Take your Bishop's Opening knowledge to the next level with interactive LiChess studies! These studies allow you to explore variations move-by-move, test your understanding, and solidify key concepts.

Comprehensive Studies:

• The Bishop Opening - 20 Chapter Study  - Real nice study of belin and Classical w/ other sidelines
  
  
• Opening Studies (Bishop's Opening) - 8 Chapter Study  (All Annotated Games) Each game a different Variation.

Focusing on Specific Variations:

• Bishop's opening  - 10 Chapter Study  (583 hearts) - Mainly the Gambits
  
  
• Bishop's Openings for Beginners  - 12 Chapter Study - Nice list of the different gambit openings.
  
  
• Urusov gambit - Huge In-depth Study with 55 Chapters - Deep dive into the Different variations of the Gambit down to lines at Move 7 with Model games at the end of the study.

LiStudy (Lichess Move Order trainer)

Bishop's Opening - 2 Studies Here you Can Practice.

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Bishop's Opening Chess Video Lessons

Playlists

• Bishops Opening (5 Video Playlist) IM Miodrag Perunovic (Over 2.5 Hrs) - A thorough exploration of the Bishop's Opening by an experienced chess instructor. (Great for intermediate and advanced players)
  
  
• Bishop's Opening - Ideas, Traps, and Everything!  - 23 Video playlist - GM Igor Smirnov - An in-depth course by a Grandmaster, covering strategic concepts, tactical opportunities, and common pitfalls. (Excellent for all levels)
  
  

Bishop's Opening (Sneaky Good Attack) - 20 Min 

Opening Basics #19: Bishop's opening - 18 Min

The Modern Bishop's Opening | White's Response against the Two Knights Defense | IM Alex Astaneh - 33 Min

How to play against the bishops opening - 14 Min

Urusov Gambit - Deep Dives

The Unbeatable Urusov Gambit - Chess Openings Explained - 49 Min (St Louis CC Lesson) - Jonathan Schrantz - A detailed explanation of the gambit's potential and Black's challenges.

Chess Opening: Urusov Gambit - 17 Min

Diving Deep into Urusov Gambit Theory - 13 Min

The Urusov Gambit | Attacking Gambit in the Bishop's Opening IM Andrey Ostrovskiy - 12 Min

Chess Openings: Smash 'em with The Urusov Gambit!! - 44 min IM Miodrag Perunovic - In-depth analysis of the Urusov Gambit. Discusses various responses to the gambit, highlighting the importance of development and initiative in chess.

Human Defeats Stockfish with Urusov Gambit - 11 min Johnathan Schrantz

Dirty Chess Tricks 14 (Urusov Gambit Declined) - 14 Min
Dirty Chess Tricks 15 (Urusov Gambit Accepted) - 27 Min

The Original URUSOV GAMBIT Surprised a Future World Champion | Chess History Explained - 17 Min

Smothered Mate and an Urusov Gambit | Viewers' Choice - GM Yasser Seirawan - 50 Min

Chess Tips: How To Play The Dangerous Urusov Gambit?  - 67 Min Maurice Bishop

Alterman GGuide The Urusov Gambit part1 - 34 Min 
Alterman GGuide The Urusov Gambit part2 - 33 min

Ponziani Gambit

• Win Fast with The Bishops Opening! Ponziani Gambit!! - 17 Min IM Miodrag Perunovic
  
  

Greco Gambit

• Chess Opening Tricks to WIN Fast | Greco Gambit Traps, Moves, Strategies & Ideas - 7 Min
  
  
• GRECO GAMBIT OPENING!!! CARLSEN vs SOCKO -  7 Min

4 Pawns Gambit

• Chess Openings: Learn to Play the Four Pawns Gambit! - 6 Min
  
  
• Human Beats Stockfish with FOUR PAWNS GAMBIT - 13 Min

Lewis Gambit

• PREVIEW: Gambit Guide - Bishop's Opening, Lewis Gambit - 4 Min
  
  
• Dirty Chess Tricks 13 (Lewis Gambit) - 18 Min
  
  
• What is the Lewis Gambit? | Harrison Keyser Plays The People!  -  3 min
  
  

Calabrese Counter Gambit

Calabrese Counter Gambit against Bishop's Opening - 21 Min - It counters the bishop's opening with 2...f5, as we also do against the Italian or Spanish. It's a rarely-seen but effective response for the aggressive player.

Bishops Opening Chess Traps

Elevate your tactical awareness with videos exploring common traps and winning opportunities in the Bishop's Opening. (Great for all levels)

• 5 Best Chess Opening Traps in the Bishop’s Opening - 11 Min GM Igor Smirnov
  
  
• 4 Quick Checkmates In The Bishop’s Opening - 11 Min GM Igor Smirnov
  
  
• Top 5 Traps to WIN Fast in the Bishop's Opening - 16 Min GM Igor Smirnov
  
  
• Episode 2 of High Probability Traps! Chess Traps to WIN Fast: Bishops Opening Tricks and Ideas - 12 Min - NM Nelson Lopez - I will show you all the traps for white in this Bishop's Opening variation. I will also show you the best chess tactics and ideas that white should be aware of and how to counter blacks best opening plans to gain an advantage in the opening.

Game Videos (W/Analysis)

Bishop's Opening  - 10 Video Playlist  - kingscrusher  (Famous games)
Bishop's Opening - 16 Video Playlist - agadmantor

Amazing BULLETPROOF Approach in Bishops Opening!! - 11 min - IM Miodrag Perunovic - Guy beats IM in 15 Moves in Classical with Bishop's opening. (New - 6/5/2024)

Magnus Carlsen strikes with the Bishop’s Opening! - 22 Min

Chess Tips: Play The Bishops Opening Like Kasparov!! 2...Nc6 - 36 Min  IM Miodrag Perunovic 

Finally Had Chance to Play Bishops Opening in Real Tournament! All Wins!!  - 16 Min  - IM Miodrag Perunovic

Dubov plays the Urusov Gambit, or Dubusov? || Dubov vs Giri - 13 Min

"In order to avoid playing the opening theory,
 you need to study A LOT of opening theory." - Peter Svidler