FENr2qk2r/ppp2pp1/2np1n1p/2b1p3/2B1P1b1/2PP1N2/PP1N1PPP/R1BQ1RK1 w kq -
Italian Game: Classical Variation, Giuoco Pianissimo: what should White play?
Best move
b4+0.52
You are seizing the initiative on the queenside by immediately challenging the c5. By playing b4, you gain space and force Black to decide where to retreat their most active minor…
- Games played
- 110K
- To move
- White
- Evaluation
- +0.52
- Depth
- 20
Game counts: Lichess opening book. Move ranking and evaluation: Stockfish. How this page is built
Why b4 is the best move
b4! — Excellent Choice!
✅ One of 2 top moves — you found a winning strategy!
Why this move is excellent:
You are seizing the initiative on the queenside by immediately challenging the c5. By playing b4, you gain space and force Black to decide where to retreat their most active minor piece before they can finish castling.
Multiple Valid Strategies
| Move | Eval | Style / Strategic Idea |
|---|---|---|
| b4 | +0.52 | Aggressive Space: Gains room on the queenside and kicks the bishop. |
| h3 | +0.51 | Prophylactic: Asks the g4 for its intentions and secures the kingside. |
Different paths, same destination: While most players (37%) instinctively play the slower Re1, you found a much more energetic approach. b4 is a "non-natural" move found by only 2% of humans, showing you have a great eye for active piece play. Whether you choose the immediate expansion of b4 or the solid questioning of h3, White maintains a clear advantage.
Your Continuation
After b4:
Bb6 h3 Be6 a4 a6
What Made This Move Good
You correctly saw: That the c5 is the anchor of Black's position. By harassing it immediately, you disrupt Black's coordination. Even though the engine likes two different moves, your choice puts the most immediate pressure on your opponent.
📚 Takeaway: In positions with multiple good moves, trust your style! You chose the most ambitious path forward, which is often the hardest for an opponent to meet over the board.
What else gets played here
Move choices from 110K games in the opening book, with the engine's evaluation of each.
| Move | Evaluation | Played | Games | White score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Re1 | +0.35 | 47K | 57% | |
| h3 | +0.51 | 42K | 54% | |
| b4Engine pick | +0.52 | 14K | 48% | |
| Bb3 | +0.25 | 4.6K | 55% | |
| a3 | +0.17 | 1.8K | 46% |
More positions in the Italian Game
- Best moved3Pawn d2 → d3Italian Game: Two Knights Defense93M games
- Best moved3Pawn d2 → d3Italian Game: Giuoco Piano82M games
- Best moveBc5Bishop f8 → c5Italian Game: Two Knights Defense, Modern Bishop's Opening21M games
- Best moved4Pawn d2 → d4Italian Game: Paris Defense18M games
- Best moved5Pawn d7 → d5Italian Game: Two Knights Defense, Knight Attack2.10M games
- Best moveexd5Pawn e4 → d5Italian Game: Two Knights Defense, Knight Attack, Normal Variation1.67M games
Frequently asked questions
What is the best move for White in the Italian Game: Classical Variation, Giuoco Pianissimo?
b4 (+0.52). You are seizing the initiative on the queenside by immediately challenging the c5. By playing b4, you gain space and force Black to decide where to retreat their most active minor…
Why is b4 the best move here?
You are seizing the initiative on the queenside by immediately challenging the c5. By playing b4, you gain space and force Black to decide where to retreat their most active minor piece before they can finish castling.
How often does this position occur?
This position has been reached 110K times in the opening book.