Italian Game: Classical Variation & La Bourdonnais Variation

Italian Game: Classical Variation

Definition

The Italian Game: Classical Variation is the symmetrical position that arises after the following moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5. The term “Classical” highlights the orthodox development of both bishops to their most natural squares, directly contesting the central light-squares f7 and f2. In the ECO system it is usually catalogued under C53.

Typical Continuations

• 4.c3 – preparing the central thrust d2–d4. Black’s main replies are 4…Nf6 (two-knight symmetry) or 4…Qe7 (La Bourdonnais line inside the Classical).
• 4.b4 – the romantic Evans Gambit, a sharp pawn sacrifice for rapid development.
• 4.d3 – the modern, manoeuvring “Italian Slow” system, keeping the tension in the centre.

Strategic Themes

• Early piece activity and open diagonals rather than immediate pawn clashes.
• Fight for the central squares d4 and e5; White usually prepares d4, while Black aims at counter-pressure with …d6, …Nf6 and sometimes …f5.
• Kingside safety: with both bishops eyeing the weakest pawn on the opposite side (f7/f2), castling timing and tactical alertness are crucial.
• Pawn structure flexibility: neither side is committed to a fixed centre, allowing diverse plans (pawn storms, piece play, or slow manoeuvring).

Historical Significance

The Classical Variation is one of the oldest recorded chess openings, extensively analysed in the 17^th-century works of Gioachino Greco and later in 19^th-century treatises by players such as Adolf Anderssen and Paul Morphy. Its clarity of purpose—rapid development and central control—made it the didactic model for beginners during much of chess history.

Illustrative Game

Greco vs. NN, c. 1620, demonstrates the attacking potential when Black neglects development:

Interesting Facts

• Because masters of the Romantic Era (e.g., Greco, La Bourdonnais, Morphy) favoured it, the opening is sometimes called the “Giuoco Piano” (Quiet Game), a tongue-in-cheek name—games were anything but quiet!
• The symmetrical bishop placement makes it ideal for pedagogical material illustrating pins, forks on f7/f2, and the dangers of premature pawn grabs.
• Top-level revivals: Magnus Carlsen frequently uses the slow d3 systems to sidestep Petroff theory while keeping rich middlegame chances.

La Bourdonnais Variation

Definition

The name “La Bourdonnais Variation” is most commonly attached to the aggressive line of the Scotch Game (technically a Scotch Gambit) beginning 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Bc4. It honours Louis-Charles Mahé de La Bourdonnais (1795-1840), the first unofficial world champion, who employed the move with great success in his celebrated 1834 match against Alexander McDonnell. In ECO it is usually listed under C45 (Scotch Game: Scotch Gambit, La Bourdonnais Variation).

Main Line Moves

After 4. Bc4 Black has several replies:

• 4…Nf6 – the most solid, continuing development and eyeing e4.
• 4…Bc5 – entering very sharp territory where both kings remain in the centre for a while.
• 4…d6 – a quieter way, but it concedes White a lead in development.

Strategic & Tactical Ideas

• Rapid Development: White sacrifices the d-pawn (if Black holds it) to mobilise pieces and open lines, especially the a2–g8 diagonal toward f7.
• Piece Activity over Material: Typical motifs include Bxf7+ sacrifices, pins on the e-file, and quick castling (usually kingside) followed by R-e1.
• Central Counter-punch for Black: After 4…Nf6 5.O-O Nxe4 Black must survive against White’s gambit initiative but can hope to consolidate an extra pawn.

Historical Highlights

In game 12 of the La Bourdonnais–McDonnell match (London 1834) the French master uncorked 4.Bc4 and conducted a ferocious attack culminating in a queen sacrifice. The press of the day hailed it as evidence that “the future of chess lies in the open game.”

Illustrative Miniature

La Bourdonnais vs. McDonnell, London 1834 (shortened for clarity):

Modern Usage

Although less common in elite play—where exact opening equality is prized—the variation remains a dangerous practical weapon at club level:

• Provides excellent training in open-game tactics.
• Useful surprise choice against opponents booked up on the main Scotch (4.Nxd4).
• Retains theoretical bite; engines often show dynamic compensation for the pawn when handled accurately.

Interesting Facts

• First database star: The La Bourdonnais–McDonnell match produced the largest collection of published games up to that time, making this line one of the earliest “theory battlegrounds.”
• American champion Paul Morphy occasionally adopted the variation with Black (!) in odds games to demonstrate defensive technique.
• Because of its association with 19^th-century romantic chess, the line appears in popular culture—Arthur Conan Doyle mentions it in a Sherlock Holmes story as a symbol of daring creativity.