1. e2e4  1... e7e5  2. g1f3  2... b8c6  3. f1c4  3... g8f6  4. d2d3  4... f8c5  5. c2c3  5... d7d6  6. e1g1  6... e8g8  7. f1e1  7... a7a5 As is common in these Italian opening positions, Black must decide whether to play a7-a6 or a7-a5. Both options are very popular. 8. h2h3  8... h7h6  9. c4b3  9... c8e6  10. b3a4 White decides not to exchange bishops. This is an option that only makes sense with Black's pawn on a5; if it were on a6, Black could play b7-b5. 10... c5a7  11. b1d2  11... a8b8 Preparing b7-b5. 12. a4b5 A curious move. The bishop took many turns until it reached the square it should have gone to since move three. 12... c6e7 A typical plan taking the knight to g6.