The Italian Variation, Noa Gambit is a variation of the Four Knights Game, catalogued as ECO C47. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Nc3 Nxe4 5. Bxf7+, reaching the position shown below after 9 half-moves.
Black holds the centre with pawns on e5. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is Black to move after five moves.
On the Four Knights Game generally: A symmetrical opening leading to equal but interesting positions. Good for beginners.
You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.
See all 36 Four Knights Game variations →
The Italian Variation, Noa Gambit goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Nc3 Nxe4 5. Bxf7+. It is a variation of the Four Knights Game and is catalogued as ECO C47.
The Italian Variation, Noa Gambit is ECO C47. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Four Knights Game.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Nc3 Nxe4 5. Bxf7+ at -1.21 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for Black. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.
Black holds the centre with pawns on e5. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is Black to move.