The Two Knights Defense, Blackburne Variation is a variation of the Italian Game, catalogued as ECO C58. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Ng5 d5 5. exd5 Na5 6. Bb5+ c6 7. dxc6 bxc6 8. Qf3 cxb5, reaching the position shown below after 16 half-moves.
Black holds the centre with pawns on e5. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up two points of material. It is White to move after eight moves. Black 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, Blackburne Variation goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Ng5 d5 5. exd5 Na5 6. Bb5+ c6 7. dxc6 bxc6 8. Qf3 cxb5. It is a variation of the Italian Game and is catalogued as ECO C58.
The Two Knights Defense, Blackburne Variation is ECO C58. 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. Ng5 d5 5. exd5 Na5 6. Bb5+ c6 7. dxc6 bxc6 8. Qf3 cxb5 at +0.08 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.
Black holds the centre with pawns on e5. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up two points of material. It is White to move. Black has the bishop pair.