Giuoco Piano: Classical Variation, Center Attack

So here I am again with the Giuoco Piano, this time with some sharp lines for white that lead to very good positions if not responeded correctly.

This is the start:

In this position black has 2 good moves, Nf6 and d6, in both cases we can go for the Center Attack.

Let's start with the 4.c3 Nf6 5.d4 exd4 response:

This is a critical position for black, there are 5 moves to play here

1.

Actually the best move on move 7 (2 on the diagram) for black is Ncxd4 where black is only on -1 but this leads to a line that only a computer (or someone really good) is going to find.

2.

Don't capture the rook as the bishop is hanging. By the way, f black doesn't give up the queen, this worse line occurs:

3.

Three pawns for a knight, black is on -0.4 here

4.

It's the only move that equalizes and the harder to find.

5.

White is a pawn up and has all the initiative. (If black goes dxc3 then white is completely wining with a great attack started by Qd5, threatening mate, the bishop...)

Now let's see the d6 response wich is the engine's second choice.

The engine manages to hold the position losing a single pawn but this is pretty hard for humans becouse if black doesn't move the bishop to g4 the whole position falls appart.

Black can also take the pawn instead of moving the bishop back to b6:

White has the whole center with a +1 advantage.

Well here ends the thread, I hope you liked it