...7.B to Q 2

Threatening to attack and exchange White's Bishop, by playing upon his next move, if feasible, 8. ... Kt to Q R 4. He could not have done so before, because of White's reply, 8. B to Kt 5: ch., forcing the Knight back to B 3, or leaving it at R 4 out of play.

8.B to Kt 3...

White, who does not want to exchange his Bishop for Knight, retires it, so that he may play, should Black attack it (with 8. ... Kt to R 4), 9. B to B 2.

...8.Q to K 2

In the Giuoco Piano it is not advisable for either player to castle early, and Black wisely makes a waiting move. He is now able to castle on either side, according to circumstances.

9.Q to K 29.P to K R 3

This move is strictly defensive. Black might also have played 9. ... Q Kt to Q sq., and then from Q sq. to K 3, which would have been a better manœuvre.

10.Kt to B sq.10.B to K 3
11.B to R 411.B to Q 2
12.Kt to Kt 312.P to Kt 3

Black's defence is somewhat timid. At a previous stage he intended to exchange his Q Kt against White's B, and now when White "pins" the