Italian Game: Classical Variation, Tarrasch Variation

The Italian Game: Classical Variation, Tarrasch Variation is a chess opening classified under ECO code C53 in the Open Games & French Defense family, beginning with 1.e4 e5 or 1.e4 e6, including the Italian Game, Ruy Lopez, and French Defense. It is reached after 9 moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Qe7 5. d4 Bb6 6. O-O d6 7. a4 a6 8. h3 Nf6 9. Re1. The resulting position leaves black to move.