Tree path 9 levels King's Pawn Game › King's Knight Opening › Normal Variation › Italian Game › Two Knights Defense › Knight Attack › Normal Variation › Italian Game: Two Knights Defense, Polerio Defense › Kieseritzky Variation
Italian Game: Two Knights Defense, Polerio Defense, Kieseritzky Variation
Overview
Italian Game: Two Knights Defense, Polerio Defense, Kieseritzky Variation is a specific line in the Open Games family (ECO C58), arising from a recognised theoretical position.
The Open Games group covers open games — classical 1.e4 e5 openings where both sides contest the centre directly with pawns.
The line arises from 11 plies — specifically the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Ng5 d5 5. exd5 Na5 6. d3.
The line refines Italian Game: Two Knights Defense, Polerio Defense, which traces back to the root opening King's Pawn Game.
The line splits into 2 documented sub-systems: Italian Game: Two Knights Defense, Maróczy Variation, Italian Game: Two Knights Defense, Polerio Defense, Yankovich Variation.
Explore the position on the interactive board, study its real-world results from Lichess, and challenge the engine when you are ready.
- ECO code
- C58
- Group
- Open Games (C)
- Plies
- 11
- Direct variations
- 2
This overview is generated automatically from the opening's metadata. Know this line well? Write a description — submissions are reviewed before publishing.
Statistics from Lichess
259,102 games · White 50.8% / Draw 4.5% / Black 44.8%
| Moves | Games | W / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| Nxc4 | 126,768 | |
| h6 | 68,012 | |
| Nxd5 | 23,480 | |
| c6 | 13,040 | |
| Bc5 | 7,670 | |
| Be7 | 6,711 | |
| Bd6 | 5,871 | |
| Bg4 | 2,335 |
Source: Lichess Opening Explorer · cached 2026-09-26 02:30:38
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