The Two Knights Defense is a variation of the Italian Game, catalogued as ECO C55. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. O-O Bc5 5. d4 Bxd4 6. Nxd4 Nxd4 7. Bg5 d6, reaching the position shown below after 14 half-moves.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on e5). Development is level at three minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is White to move after seven moves. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted; White has the bishop pair.
On the Italian Game generally: A classical opening focusing on rapid development and control of the center with pieces.
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The Two Knights Defense goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. O-O Bc5 5. d4 Bxd4 6. Nxd4 Nxd4 7. Bg5 d6. It is a variation of the Italian Game and is catalogued as ECO C55.
The Two Knights Defense is ECO C55. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Italian Game.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. O-O Bc5 5. d4 Bxd4 6. Nxd4 Nxd4 7. Bg5 d6 at -0.12 at depth 18, which is balanced. 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.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on e5). Development is level at three minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is White to move. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted; White has the bishop pair.