Giuoco Piano Surprise

While Live Chess was down I followed the suggestion to play the computer chess game. I had it set to easy and lost every game!  

What strength is the chess computer engine set to on easy: 800, 1000, 1200, etc. ?

Anyway, the computer played the main line of the Giuoco Piano until move 5)...Bd6? I initiated an exchange without counting the cost. Very bad idea. I lost three pawns to the computer's one. LOL! My pawn structure was absolutely nuked. Clever move, that Bd6.  

Is 5)...Bd6 a variation of the main line in the Giuoco Piano or a tactical surprise? Thanks!

Below is a match from the chess.com database. It starts out as the Two Knights Defense, however, the position of pieces in my game and this match are identical after Black plays 5)...Bd6. Enjoy.  I should have castled, not exchanged!

 Apologize or I will report you to one of the moderators. I believe personal attacks are not permitted. Thank you.

lol as if you could be bothered

chess.com rating for correspondance play of computer on easy:1000  live chess:1300-1400.  the chess.com computer actually plays live chess so those estimates are accurate.  the correspondance one is just my guess.  bd6 is closer to an original idea made by the player, or a novelty, in my opinion.  it seems weak since it stops the d pawn from moving.  you can easily look it up using chess.com or just the internet.  i do this to look at unfamiliar openings, for example type in e4 e5 nf3 nc6 bb5(ruy lopez) if you are curious about theory on it and moves to expect.

Yeah, Bd6 can't be optimal, in fact, looks like a pretty poor idea to me.

I would not exchange the central pawns.  As white, you should keep them on because of the cramping effect it has on black.  At some point black will need to lose time to reposition his bishop if he want to develop the light square bishop.  In addition, Bd6 blocks the important d6 pawn so it is ideal to keep the pressure on black.  With best play black should be sufficated running out of counterplay.