The "Italian Game" vs. The World

Lately, I’ve been obsessed with the Italian Game (1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4). Why? Because it’s aesthetic. It’s symmetrical. It’s aggressive.

Most people at our level panic when they see the Bishop come out to c4. They think a Fried Liver Attack is coming (and sometimes it is!). But being a beginner means we get to experiment. We don't have to play like an engine; we just have to play with intent.