Bishops Opening, Paolo Boi & McDonnell Gambit
Bishop’s Opening
Definition
The Bishop’s Opening is the family of positions reached after the moves 1. e4 e5 2.Bc4. White immediately develops the king’s-bishop to an active diagonal aimed at f7, instead of following the more common 2.Nf3 that characterises the Open Games (Double King-Pawn Openings). ECO codes place the opening in the range C23–C24.
Typical Move-Order & Early Branches
- 2…Nf6 – Berlin Defence. Can transpose to an Italian Game or remain independent.
- 2…Bc5 – Classical Variation, again often transposing to the Italian.
- 2…c6 or 2…d6 – more flexible replies, delaying the development of the king’s knight.
Strategic Themes
White’s light-squared bishop cuts across the centre, keeping Black guessing about whether Nf3 or d4 will follow. Plans revolve around:
- Rapid central thrusts with d4, sometimes supported by c3.
- Castling kingside early (often after Nf3) and attacking f7.
- Transpositions—because both sides can still choose where to develop their minor pieces, the opening is a gateway to the Italian Game, Vienna Game, King’s Gambit, Two Knights Defence and several gambits.
Historical Significance
The Bishop’s Opening was fashionable in the 19th century, championed by players such as Adolf Anderssen and Johann Löwenthal. Its popularity declined when theory shifted towards occupying the centre with pieces (via 2.Nf3), but it has never disappeared. Modern grandmasters—including Nigel Short, Ian Nepomniachtchi, and Ding Liren—have revived it as a surprise weapon, especially in rapid and blitz.
Example Position
After 1.e4 e5 2.Bc4 Nf6 3.d3 c6 4.Nf3 d5 5.Bb3, both sides have healthy development and a lively centre:
Interesting Facts
- The move 2.Bc4 was once considered almost obligatory in the 16th-century Romantic Era.
- A sub-line called the Calabrese Counter-Gambit (2…f5) was analysed as early as 1604 in the manuscript of Giulio Cesare Polerio.
- Because Black can reach a Philidor-type set-up (…d6, …Nf6, …Be7), some authors call the Bishop’s Opening a “reverse Philidor”.
Boi
Definition
Paolo Boi (c. 1528 – 1598) was a Sicilian chess prodigy and one of the strongest players of the Renaissance. In chess literature, “Boi” refers not to a variation but to this historical master, celebrated alongside his contemporary Giovanni Leonardo da Cutro. Their exploits laid the groundwork for modern opening exploration long before formal theory existed.
Life & Career Highlights
- Nicknamed Il Bove (“The Ox”) for his strength at the board.
- Toured Italian courts, defeating renowned players in Rome, Florence, and Naples.
- Was invited to the court of King Philip II of Spain, where he reputedly defeated every opponent presented to him.
- Died under mysterious circumstances—legend claims he was poisoned by a jealous rival, though historians doubt the story.
Contributions to Chess
- Opening Ideas – Boi analysed early forms of the King’s Gambit and Italian Game, advocating rapid development and sacrificial play.
- Public Matches – His contests, often staged as courtly entertainment, popularised chess as a spectator activity.
- Endgame Prowess – Surviving manuscripts credit Boi with sophisticated king-and-pawn endgame studies, rare for the time.
Sample “Renaissance” Attack
Although exact scores are sketchy, the following miniature—reconstructed from period notes—reflects the lively style associated with Paolo Boi:
Anecdotes
- Speed Demon: Accounts say Boi could play, analyse, and dictate commentary simultaneously—an early precursor to blindfold displays.
- Wagering for Parrots: In one match, he is said to have bet and won an exotic parrot, which became his travelling companion!
- Influence on Philidor: François-André Danican Philidor, the 18th-century titan, studied fragments of Boi’s play, admiring his willingness to sacrifice for initiative.
McDonnell Gambit
Definition
The McDonnell Gambit (also called the Irish Gambit or Dublin Gambit) arises after the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nxe5?!. White sacrifices a knight on move 3 for a single pawn, hoping for rapid development and an attack on the uncastled black king.
Origin of the Name
It is attributed to Alexander McDonnell (1798 – 1835), the first great Irish master, famous for his 1834 match series against Louis de la Bourdonnais. Whether McDonnell actually played the line competitively is uncertain, but his swashbuckling reputation made the association stick.
Strategic Overview
- Immediate Imbalance: After 3…Nxe5 4.d4, White tries to gain time by forcing the black knight to move again.
- Initiative vs. Material: If Black misplays, lines with Bc4, Qh5+, and 0-0-0 can become dangerous; accurate defence, however, usually returns a healthy extra piece.
- Relationship to Other Gambits: The McDonnell shares DNA with the Halloween Gambit in the Four Knights and the Fried Liver Attack, both of which sacrifice material for tempo in the centre.
Theory Snapshot
After 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nxe5 Nxe5 4.d4, best play is:
- 4…Nc6 5.d5 Ne5 6.f4 Ng6 when Black consolidates.
- Or 4…Ng6 5.Bc4 Nf6 6.e5 d5! leading to a solid extra piece.
Consequently, the line is considered objectively dubious, yet it can shock an unprepared opponent—especially in blitz or casual play.
Illustrative Miniature
An attacking try showing typical ideas (analysis game):
Interesting Facts
- Many database hits come from club-level online games, proving its popularity as a surprise weapon.
- GM Simon Williams once featured the gambit in a video series, calling it “objectively terrible but tremendous fun.”
- If Black declines the piece with 3…d6, play often transposes back to the Philidor Defence after 4.Nf3.