Italian Game: Classical Variation, Giuoco Pianissimo, Albin Variation

A slow and strategic opening that focuses on developing pieces and controlling the center.

The opening begins with a pawn move to e4, followed by a symmetrical response from Black with e5. White then plays Nf3 to develop the knight and attack the e5 pawn, which Black defends with Nc6. Bc4 is played by White to develop the bishop and put pressure on the f7 square, which Black mirrors with Bc5. The move c3 is played by White to support the center pawn on d4 and prepare for d3, while Black continues development with Nf6. White then plays d3 to solidify the center and prepare for a pawn break with d4, while Black plays d6 to support the e5 pawn. White then advances the b pawn to b4, aiming to gain space on the queenside and potentially create weaknesses in Black's pawn structure.