The guide highlights that "knowledge of tactics is the foundation of positional play". For beginners, the Italian Game offers frequent opportunities to use:
Black often looks to strike back in the center with the move ...d5 to neutralize White’s pressure. Summary of Best Practices
Playing 4. c3 to prepare for an immediate d4. Exeter Chess Club: The Italian Game for beginners
The Exeter Chess Club emphasizes that beginners should prioritize open games like the Italian because they teach critical fundamentals of piece coordination and attacking patterns before diving into the "static" positional struggles found in more closed systems. The Italian Game for beginners | Exeter Chess Club
The light-squared bishop is placed on c4 to eye the "tender" f7 point, which is only defended by Black’s king and is often the site of early tactical breakthroughs. The guide highlights that "knowledge of tactics is
Exeter warns against the (the "very quiet game"), which occurs if both sides play too cautiously (e.g., 4. d3 d6). This leads to solid but blocked positions where it is difficult for beginners to find attacking chances. To avoid this, Exeter recommends more aggressive lines like:
The opening facilitates quick kingside castling, allowing White to bring the rook to e1 and begin central or kingside attacks early. Avoiding the "Quiet Game" c3 to prepare for an immediate d4
According to the Exeter Chess Club Italian Game Guide, the primary goal for White is rapid development and central control: