Italian Game: Two Knights Defense, Max Lange Attack, Rubinstein Variation

Move order

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. d4 exd4 5. O-O Bc5 6. e5 d5 7. exf6 dxc4 8. Re1+ Be6 9. Ng5 Qd5 10. Nc3 Qf5 11. Nce4 Bf8

Ideas

ECO C covers open games (1. e4 e5) and the French Defense. White stakes a claim in the center and opens lines for the bishop and queen. This entry tracks a longer branch in the opening tree. Use the diagram and SAN list to recognize the tabiya, then try the line against Maia to explore typical plans in practice.

Play this opening against Maia