f6 is usually bad in any kind of opening for 2 reasons. First is the king is more vulnerable, and 2nd is developing your kingside knight and bishop will usually take longer. (It takes longer since the knight can't go to f6, and will usually need to move against if it goes to e7).
In the position above if white doesn't play the typical opening idea (which is common for nearly all openings i.e. fast development and a pawn break in the center) then your position as Black will probably be completely fine. But if White develops and plays d4 then your king will be unsafe and/or you'll be behind in development (open lines favor the side who is ahead in development and has a safer king).
Hey all. Potentially a really newbie question here. When playing as black I often find myself in Italian game situations in my current rating level. I normally respond 3. f6 to protect the e5 pawn and prevent white moving 4. kg5. I then shoot for a queen side castle.
After looking up common responses to the Italian open though, this was not a recommended response at all. However, I couldn't find out why it is not a recommended response. Can anyone help me with why it is a bad idea to go 3. f6? Also, what is a good third move for black that is leads to paths that are not too complicated for a beginner? Thank you so much!!!