Giuoco Piano, Center Attack & Greco Attack
Giuoco Piano Game
Definition
The Giuoco Piano (Italian for “Quiet Game”) is one of the oldest recorded chess openings, arising after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5. It belongs to the family of Open Games (double-king-pawn openings) and is catalogued in the ECO codes C50–C54.
How It Is Used
- Development & center control: Both sides place knights and bishops on their most active squares, eyeing the e- and f-files.
- Flexible plans: White can proceed quietly with 4. c3 and 5. d4, steer toward the Evans Gambit (4. b4), or adopt slower manoeuvres such as 4. d3 (the modern “Italian Game, Giuoco Pianissimo”).
- Black’s replies: Options include 4…Nf6, 4…d6, or entering the Two Knights Defense (3…Nf6) instead of 3…Bc5.
Strategic & Historical Significance
Because it dates back to the 16-17th centuries, the Giuoco Piano has been a laboratory for opening theory. Its study introduced classical principles—rapid development, occupation of the center, and kingside safety—to generations of players. While once considered “quiet,” modern treatment often leads to sharp tactical melees, especially in the Evans Gambit and the Center Attack.
Illustrative Example
The miniature above (a modern internet blitz game) shows how brutally the “quiet game” can explode once central tension is released.
Interesting Facts
- In 1604, Gioachino Greco annotated Giuoco Piano games featuring queen sacrifices; many of his ideas still echo in current theory.
- The phrase “Italian Game” is sometimes used synonymously with Giuoco Piano, but strictly speaking the Italian Game also includes the Evans Gambit and the Two Knights Defense.
- Grandmasters such as Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana revived the Giuoco Piano at elite level in the 2010s, often transposing into the slower Pianissimo structures to avoid bulky opening preparation.
Center Attack (in the Giuoco Piano)
Definition
The Center Attack is an aggressive line of the Giuoco Piano beginning with 4. c3 Nf6 5. d4 exd4 6. e5 (or 6. cxd4) where White aims to open the position rapidly and drive the f6-knight away, seizing space in the heart of the board.
Typical Move Order
- e4 e5
- Nf3 Nc6
- Bc4 Bc5
- c3 Nf6
- d4 exd4
- e5 d5 (critical) or 6…Ng4
Strategic Ideas
- Space & initiative: By pushing e5, White cramps Black’s position and prepares to recapture on d4 with a piece, opening lines for the bishops.
- Tactical motifs: Forks on f7, pins along the e-file, and sacrifices on f7/f6 frequently appear.
- King safety: Both kings stand in the center for several moves; accurate calculation is vital.
Famous Example
This 1991 encounter between V.Topalov and D. Gurevich (Linares Open) shows how White’s central thrust led to long-term pressure, eventually converting into a pawn-up rook ending.
Interesting Tidbits
- The Center Attack fell out of top-level fashion after the 1920s when players found reliable defensive resources for Black, yet it remains a potent surprise weapon in rapid and blitz.
- A common beginner’s trap is 6…Ng4? 7. Bxf7+! Kxf7 8. Ng5+ winning material.
- Some databases classify the line as C52 “Giuoco Piano: Center Attack, Greco Gambit” when White sacrifices on f7 early.
Greco Attack
Definition
The Greco Attack is a forceful variation originating from the Italian master Gioachino Greco (c. 1600–1634). In today’s nomenclature, it typically refers to positions arising after the “Greco Gambit” sacrifice 6. Bxf7+ in the Center Attack, or more generally to early attacks on the f7-square in the Italian Game.
Canonical Line
- e4 e5
- Nf3 Nc6
- Bc4 Bc5
- c3 Nf6
- d4 exd4
- Bxf7+! Kxf7
- e5 d5 (forced)
- exf6 Re8+
- Kf1 Qxf6
White yields a piece for two pawns and a ferocious initiative against the black king stranded on f7.
Usage & Practical Considerations
- Surprise value: Rarely seen in classical chess but a favorite in club play, bullet, and odds games for its directness.
- Risk–reward ratio: If Black defends accurately, the material edge often prevails; however, one slip equals disaster.
- Typical follow-ups: Qh5+ (double attack), Bg5, and castling queenside to drag the rook into the fray.
Historical Anecdote
Greco documented dozens of attack patterns ending in brilliant mates such as the famous finish after …Qe7?? 10. Qh5+ g6 11. Qxh7+ Rxh7 12. fxe7 when unstoppable mate follows. His lucid notes—written in 17-century Italian dialect—served as de facto opening manuals for two centuries.
Modern-Day Example
This 2020 rapid game (anonymous online server) shows White obtaining sustained pressure and eventually regaining material with interest.
Fun Facts
- The Greco Attack predates the Evans Gambit by over 200 years, yet both revolve around assaulting f7/f2.
- Greco’s notebooks used a proto-algebraic notation—one of the earliest attempts to systematically record chess games.
- With computer assistance, engines evaluate the main line at roughly –0.80 for Black, reflecting the objectively unsound but practically dangerous nature of the sacrifice.