Italian Game: Classical Variation, La Bourdonnais Variation (C53)

The Classical Variation, La Bourdonnais 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 d6 5. d4 exd4 6. cxd4 Bb6, reaching the position shown below after 12 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on d4 and e4. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move after six 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.

Related Italian Game lines

• Evans Gambit, Waller Attack
• Bird's Attack
• Classical Variation, Center Holding Variation
• Classical Variation, Eisinger Variation
• Classical Variation, Mestel Variation
• Classical Variation, Tarrasch Variation
• Classical Variation, Center Attack
• Classical Variation, Ghulam-Kassim Variation
• 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, La Bourdonnais Variation?

The Classical Variation, La Bourdonnais Variation goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 d6 5. d4 exd4 6. cxd4 Bb6. It is a variation of the Italian Game and is catalogued as ECO C53.

What is the ECO code for the Classical Variation, La Bourdonnais Variation?

The Classical Variation, La Bourdonnais 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, La Bourdonnais Variation good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 d6 5. d4 exd4 6. cxd4 Bb6 at +0.50 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, La Bourdonnais Variation lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on d4 and e4. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move.