Modern Bishop's Opening | Italian Game Theory
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The Modern Bishop’s Opening is a great alternative to Ng5, the aggressive attack on the f7 pawn, and it’s the preferred move among grandmasters.
For an introduction to the Italian Game watch this video on the basics: youtu.be/dP4qtaUAhWM
For an alternative to d3, watch this video on the Knight Attack: youtu.be/rKoZkrBWDbU
The Italian is a very versatile opening and, same as the Ruy Lopez, it could lead to either positional, maneuvering games, or to more aggressive, tactical positions. One great example of that are the two moves white can choose against black’s Two Knights Defense. After Nf6, white caould play the aggressive Ng5, leading to all sorts of complex lines, or the more subtle and slower d3, the Modern Bishop’s Opening.
After the move d3, black has four possibilities. The main move is Be7, leading to the main lines, often quite different than the usual Italian, Giuoco Piano positions.
The most popular alternative is Bc5, transposing to the Giuoco Pianissimo, and the two sidelines are the h6 variation (a great surprise weapon!), and the d5 pawn break, which might arguably be the most aggressive way for black to face d3. After d5, black could create a sort of Yugoslav Attack in reverse; castling queenside, playing f6, and pushing for a straightforward kingside pawn avalanche. I would definitely advise you to study that variation. It will catch many players off guard!
As for the main line with d3 Be7, be prepared for slow, maneuvering, positional games. As white, you want to create a kingside initiative, and you will succeed before black most usually. Remaneuver your knight to g3 or to e3, centralize your rooks, consider a queenside pawn expansion, and try preparing the d4 break. Even though I prefer the move Ng5, d3 is a great “tranquilizer” to use against aggressive players whose attacking style might be too much for you to handle. Good luck using the opening!
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