Clearing the King's side for castling, and posting the Bishop ready for attacking the present weakest point in Black's position—viz., the K B P; weakest because defended by the King only.
| ... | 3. | B to B 4 |
No immediate danger being apprehended, Black brings a piece into play. These three moves on either side constitute the opening called the Giuoco Piano, whatever be the moves that may follow.
| 4. | P to Q 3 | 4. | P to Q 3 |
| 5. | B to Q 3 | 5. | B to Kt 3 |
Better than 5. ... B takes B, because in that case White would obtain an "open Bishop's file," and double his Rooks upon it after castling; and the "double pawn," which is in the majority of positions a weakness, is strong in the centre.
| 6. | Q Kt to Q 2 | ... |
The object being to play this Knight to K B sq., and then to Kt 3. This could also be done if White had played 6. Kt to B 3, then Kt to K 2, and Kt to Kt 3. The manœuvre in the text is generally adopted, because if 6. Kt to B 3, Black could "pin" it with 6. ... B to R 4.
| ... | 6. | Kt to B 3 | |
| 7. | P to B 3 | ... |
Intending to advance the Q P, and thus prepare the formation of a strong centre.