Italian Game: Classical Variation, Mestel Variation (C53)

The Classical Variation, Mestel 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. Bg5, reaching the position shown below after 11 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4 and e4, Black on e5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is Black 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.

Position characteristics

• Contested centre

Related Italian Game lines

• Bird's Attack
• Classical Variation, Center Holding Variation
• Classical Variation, Eisinger Variation
• Classical Variation, La Bourdonnais Variation
• Classical Variation, Tarrasch Variation
• Classical Variation, Center Attack
• Classical Variation, Ghulam-Kassim Variation
• Classical Variation, Giuoco Pianissimo
• 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, Mestel Variation?

The Classical Variation, Mestel Variation goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Qe7 5. d4 Bb6 6. Bg5. It is a variation of the Italian Game and is catalogued as ECO C53.

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

The Classical Variation, Mestel 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, Mestel 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. Bg5 at +0.43 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, Mestel Variation lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4 and e4, Black on e5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is Black to move.