Italian Game: Classical Variation, Eisinger Variation (C53)

The Classical Variation, Eisinger Variation is a variation of the Italian Game, catalogued as ECO C53. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Qe7 5. d4 Bb6 6. d5 Nb8 7. d6, reaching the position shown below after 13 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on e5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move after seven moves.

On the Italian Game generally: A classical opening focusing on rapid development and control of the center with pieces.

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.

Position characteristics

• Contested centre

Related Italian Game lines

• Evans Gambit, Tartakower Attack
• Evans Gambit, Waller Attack
• Bird's Attack
• Classical Variation, Center Holding Variation
• Classical Variation, La Bourdonnais Variation
• Classical Variation, Mestel Variation
• Classical Variation, Tarrasch Variation
• Classical Variation, Center Attack
• Classical Variation, Albin Gambit
• Deutz Gambit
• Giuoco Pianissimo
• Giuoco Pianissimo, Canal Variation

See all 152 Italian Game variations →

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Classical Variation, Eisinger Variation?

The Classical Variation, Eisinger Variation goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Qe7 5. d4 Bb6 6. d5 Nb8 7. d6. It is a variation of the Italian Game and is catalogued as ECO C53.

What is the ECO code for the Classical Variation, Eisinger Variation?

The Classical Variation, Eisinger Variation is ECO C53. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Italian Game.

Is the Classical Variation, Eisinger Variation good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Qe7 5. d4 Bb6 6. d5 Nb8 7. d6 at +0.49 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, within normal opening margins. 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.

What kind of position does the Classical Variation, Eisinger Variation lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on e5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move.