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C50Italian Game
Italian Game: Giuoco Pianissimo, Normal: what should Black play?
Best move
h6+0.00
By playing h6, you are playing a "prophylactic" move. You take away the g5 square from the White f3 and c1, preventing annoying pins or attacks on f7 before they even start.
- Games played
- 1.4K
- To move
- Black
- Evaluation
- +0.00
- Depth
- 20
Why h6 is the best move
h6! — Excellent Choice!
✅ One of 4 top moves — you found a high-level solution!
Why this move is excellent:
By playing h6, you are playing a "prophylactic" move. You take away the g5 square from the White f3 and c1, preventing annoying pins or attacks on f7 before they even start.
Multiple Valid Strategies
This position is remarkably flexible. You chose the engine's favorite, but three other moves are just as strong:
| Move | Eval | Style / Strategic Idea |
|---|---|---|
| h6 | +0.00 | Prophylactic: Stops g5 or g5 ideas. |
| a6 | +0.00 | Positional: Prevents the White b1 from jumping to b5. |
| O-O | +0.00 | Fundamental: Prioritizes King safety immediately. |
| Bb4+ | +0.05 | Forcing: Challenges White to block the check and simplifies. |
Different paths, same destination: While 45% of players instinctively choose the solid a6, only 3% of humans find your move, h6. It shows great patience! Whether you prefer the immediate safety of O-O or the tactical check of Bb4+, Black maintains a perfect balance.
Your Continuation
After h6, the game remains perfectly level:
O-O a6 Be3 O-O h3
What Made This Move Good
You correctly saw: That there was no immediate rush. By securing the g5 square, you ensure that when you eventually play O-O, your King won't be harassed by a piece storm on the kingside.
📚 Takeaway: When you have multiple "best" moves, choose the one that fits your style. You chose the most precise, engine-approved way to limit White's options!
What else gets played here
Move choices from 1.4K games in the opening book, with the engine's evaluation of each.
| Move | Evaluation | Played | Games | White score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| a6 | +0.00 | 1.2K | 52% | |
| O-O | +0.00 | 134 | 57% | |
| h6Engine pick | +0.00 | 54 | 47% | |
| Bb4+ | +0.05 | 44 | 48% | |
| Rb8 | +0.17 | 0 | 0% |
More positions in the Italian Game
All Italian Game positions →Frequently asked questions
What is the best move for Black in the Italian Game: Giuoco Pianissimo, Normal?
h6 (+0.00). By playing h6, you are playing a "prophylactic" move. You take away the g5 square from the White f3 and c1, preventing annoying pins or attacks on f7 before they even start.
Why is h6 the best move here?
By playing h6, you are playing a "prophylactic" move. You take away the g5 square from the White f3 and c1, preventing annoying pins or attacks on f7 before they even start.
How often does this position occur?
This position has been reached 1.4K times in the opening book.