Italian Game: Giuoco Pianissimo, Dubois Variation (C50)

The Giuoco Pianissimo, Dubois Variation is a variation of the Italian Game, catalogued as ECO C50. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. d3 f5 5. Ng5 f4, reaching the position shown below after 10 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on e5). Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move after five 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.

Italian Game: Giuoco Pianissimo, Dubois Variation — position after f4 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. d3 f5 5. Ng5 f4

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4e5
2Nf3Nc6
3Bc4Bc5
4d3f5
5Ng5f4

ECO: C50

Stockfish: +1.00 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Italian Game lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Giuoco Pianissimo, Dubois Variation?

The Giuoco Pianissimo, Dubois Variation goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. d3 f5 5. Ng5 f4. It is a variation of the Italian Game and is catalogued as ECO C50.

What is the ECO code for the Giuoco Pianissimo, Dubois Variation?

The Giuoco Pianissimo, Dubois Variation is ECO C50. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Italian Game.

Is the Giuoco Pianissimo, Dubois Variation good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. d3 f5 5. Ng5 f4 at +1.00 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for White. 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 Giuoco Pianissimo, Dubois Variation lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on e5). Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move.