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Italian Game

Classical Variation, Center Holding Variation

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  1. 1.e4e5
  2. 2.Nf3Nc6
  3. 3.Bc4Bc5
  4. 4.c3Qe7
  5. 5.d4Bb6
547 games40%56%

An Italian Game sideline in which Black meets 5. d4 with 5...Bb6, keeping the e5-pawn in place with the queen on e7 rather than exchanging on d4.

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About the Center Holding Variation

Within the Closed Variation, Black answers 5. d4 with the retreat 5...Bb6 rather than exchanging on d4. The e5-pawn stays in place, supported by the queen on e7. White, with pawns on d4 and e4, usually castles with 6. O-O or gains space with 6. d5. The rarer tries are 6. dxe5 and 6. Bg5, the Mestel Variation. The engine gives White a slight edge, yet Black scores well in online games.

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