A classical opening where White develops the bishop to c4, targeting f7. Leads to rich strategic and tactical play.
The Giuoco Piano, Evans Gambit, Pianissimo, and other lines where Black plays 3...Bc5.
The Italian Game begins 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4. White targets the weak f7 square.
After 3.Bc4 Nf6, White can launch the aggressive 4.Ng5 targeting f7, leading to the Fried Liver Attack, Traxler Counterattack, and other sharp tactical battles.
The Two Knights Defense arises after Black develops the king's knight to f6 instead of the bishop to c5. This immediately attacks White's e4 pawn and signals a willingness to enter sharp tactical play.
The critical test is 4.Ng5, the Knight Attack, which targets the vulnerable f7 square with two pieces. This leads to some of the most exciting and heavily analyzed positions in all of chess.