Giuoco Piano Center Attack & Greco-Moller Attack
Giuoco Piano
Definition
The Giuoco Piano (Italian for “quiet game”) is one of the oldest recorded chess openings and arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5. Both sides develop pieces rapidly and stake a claim in the centre without creating immediate tension, hence the adjective “piano.” In modern databases it is catalogued under ECO codes C50–C54.
Typical Move Order
- e4 e5
- Nf3 Nc6
- Bc4 Bc5
Strategic Themes
- Central Control: White often tries to break with d2–d4 or c2–c3 followed by d4 to seize space.
- Piece Activity: The bishops on c4 and c5 eye the f7 and f2 squares, inviting tactical shots.
- King Safety: Early castling (usually 4.O-O) is common so that both sides can later open the centre with fewer fears of exposed kings.
- Pawns vs. Initiative: Many lines feature pawn sacrifices (e.g., Evans Gambit) in exchange for rapid development.
Historical Significance
The opening was analysed extensively by 16-17th-century Italian masters such as Gioachino Greco and later by Paul Morphy, who used it to devastating effect. Although fashionable in the 19th century, it temporarily lost popularity to the Ruy López and more hyper-modern systems, only to experience a renaissance in rapid and online play where its straightforward piece play is highly practical.
Illustrative Mini-Game
Interesting Fact
Because it develops the light-squared bishop before playing d2–d3, the Giuoco Piano is sometimes called the “Italian Game of the Two Knights.” In online bullet chess, its name has spawned the humorous meme “the Spaghetti Attack.”
Center Attack (in the Giuoco Piano)
Definition
The Center Attack is a forcing variation of the Giuoco Piano in which White aggressively pushes the d-pawn to d4 and often follows with e4–e5, blasting open central lines. The most common starting sequence is 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Nf6 5. d4 exd4 6. e5. This gives it the ECO code C53.
Key Ideas
- Pawn Wedge e5: The thrust e4–e5 gains space, hits the f6-knight, and prepares d4–d5 in some lines.
- Open Diagonals: After the central pawns are exchanged, bishops and queens spring to life, often targeting f7.
- Lead in Development: White frequently offers a pawn to drag Black’s pieces into awkward squares, aiming for quick tactical blows.
Critical Continuation
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Nf6 5. d4 exd4 6. e5 d5 7. Bb5 Ne4 8. cxd4 Bb4+ 9. Nc3 Nxc3 10. bxc3 Bxc3+ 11. Bd2 Bxa1
Here both sides enter a razor-sharp struggle where material imbalances and king safety dictate the outcome.
Notable Game
Morphy vs. Paulsen, New York 1857 featured an early form of the Center Attack. Morphy sacrificed a pawn for a massive lead in development and won in brilliant fashion, cementing the line’s romantic reputation.
Greco–Möller Attack
Definition
The Greco–Möller Attack is the most ambitious branch of the Center Attack, named after Gioachino Greco (c. 1600) and German theoretician Johann Möller (late 19th century). The characteristic position is reached after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Nf6 5. d4 exd4 6. e5 d5 7. Bb5 Ne4 8. cxd4 Bb4+ when White sacrifices a pawn (and sometimes an exchange) for powerful piece activity. The ECO code is C54.
How It Works
- Early Bb5 Pin: The bishop move pins the c6-knight, indirectly preparing c2–c3–d4 ideas.
- cxd4 Recapture: By taking with the c-pawn, White opens the c-file and keeps central tension.
- Tactical Motifs: Themes include Bxf7+ sacrifices, queen infiltrations on h5/e2, and the famous Nd2–b3 jump targeting c5 and d4.
Model Game
In the famous Kasparov vs. Short, Paris 1990 (simul), Kasparov demonstrated the attacking potential by sacrificing an exchange on f7 and mating swiftly.
Strategic & Historical Notes
- The name honors Greco, who published the first known analysis, and Möller, who updated the line 250 years later.
- Engines give roughly equal evaluations today, but in practical play the initiative often outweighs material for White.
- Online blitz specialists employ the attack as a surprise weapon against opponents expecting quieter Italian lines.
Trivia
Grandmaster Maxime Vachier-Lagrave once tweeted that the Greco–Möller is “the Italian Game on espresso,” highlighting its sharpness compared with the standard Giuoco Piano.