The Popular Italian

3/22/2018 – When we are kids we are mostly taught to play 1.e4, and the first mate we see is the one with Bc4, Qh5 and Qxf7++. It looks like chess theory is turning back to its roots when the move 3.Bc4 was much more popular than 3.Bb5. Nowadays all top tournaments are full of Italian games and the focus of the battle is transposed from the opening to the middle game which requires from both sides good knowledge of typical plans and ideas. Let Victor Bologan be your guide...