Giuoco Piano, Evans Gambit, and McDonnell Defense
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. In modern ECO codes it is catalogued under C50–C54 and forms the core of what English-speakers usually call the “Italian Game.”
Typical Move Order
- e4 e5
- Nf3 Nc6
- Bc4 Bc5
The position is symmetrical, both bishops target f7/f2, and each side has rapid development and open diagonals.
Strategic Themes
- Piece Activity: Because no central pawn tension has been resolved yet, both armies race to seize space and coordinate minor pieces before open conflict erupts.
- Focus on f7/f2: The two bishops plus a knight can quickly create mating threats on these sensitive squares.
- Pawn Structure Flexibility: White can choose between the slow, maneuvering Giuoco Pianissimo (d3, c3, Nbd2) or the sharper Evans Gambit and Italian Gambit lines (b4 or d4).
Historical Significance
The Giuoco Piano can be traced back to the 16th-century manuscripts of Giulio Cesare Polerio, Gioachino Greco, and, most famously, the 1749 treatise of Giambattista Lolli. Its “quiet” label reflects the opening’s classical reputation for sound, strategic development rather than immediate violence—though many sub-variations, such as the Evans Gambit, are anything but quiet.
Illustrative Miniature
The famous “Lasker–Thomas, London 1912” miniature shows the latent attacking potential hidden in seemingly quiet Italian structures.
Interesting Facts
- World Champions from Steinitz to Carlsen have employed the Giuoco Piano, proving that classical principles remain evergreen.
- The opening is exceptionally popular at club level because players reach natural positions without memorizing heavy theory.
- In online databases the line 4. c3 (Pianissimo) has grown dramatically since the 2010s, reflecting a modern preference for long, maneuvering battles.
Evans Gambit Accepted
Definition
The Evans Gambit is an aggressive branch of the Giuoco Piano beginning with 4. b4!?. If Black accepts the offered pawn with 4…Bxb4, the game is coded as “Evans Gambit Accepted” (ECO C51–C52). The central idea is to sacrifice a flank pawn for a powerful centre and rapid development.
Main Move Sequence
- e4 e5
- Nf3 Nc6
- Bc4 Bc5
- b4 Bxb4 (pawn accepted)
- c3 (hits the bishop and prepares d4)
Strategic Aims for White
- Tempo Gain: For every move the black bishop makes, White gains time to expand in the centre (d4) and launch an attack on f7.
- Open Lines: The pawn sacrifice often clears the a2–g8 diagonal for the bishop on c4 and the a-rook after a4.
- Lead in Development: Typical positions show White castled with all pieces active while Black still scrambles to coordinate.
How Black Tries to Neutralize the Gambit
Modern theory recognises several robust defences:
- 5…Ba5 – the main line, maintaining the pin on c3.
- 5…Bc5 – the historic McDonnell Defense.
- 5…Be7 – the Anderssen Defense, a solid, retreating setup.
- 5…Bf8 – the Stone–Ware Defense, often transposing to quieter lines.
Historical Spotlight
The gambit is named after Captain William Davies Evans, a 19th-century Welsh sea-captain who introduced it in a casual game versus Alexander McDonnell (London 1827). It soon became a favourite of attacking legends like Adolf Anderssen, Paul Morphy, and Mikhail Chigorin. In the famous game “Anderssen–Dufresne, Berlin 1852” (the so-called Evergreen Game), an Evans-like pawn sacrifice paved the way for a sparkling combination.
Model Game
Although theory favors Black if he defends precisely, practical chances for a swift white attack remain high—especially in rapid or blitz time controls.
Fun Anecdote
When Garry Kasparov revived the Evans Gambit against Viswanathan Anand in a 1995 rapid match, commentators joked that “Kasparov just traveled 160 years back in time,” yet Anand was the one caught off-guard and lost in 25 moves!
McDonnell Defense (in the Evans Gambit)
Definition
The McDonnell Defense is a specific branch of the Evans Gambit Accepted characterized by the immediate retreat 5…Bc5 after 4…Bxb4 5.c3. It is named after Irish master Alexander McDonnell, who employed it against Captain Evans himself.
Key Position
In the diagram that appears after 6. d4 exd4 7. O-O (White threatens cxd4 and e5), Black has returned the bishop to its original diagonal, hoping to minimize White’s lead in development while retaining the extra pawn.
Strategic and Practical Considerations
- Counter-attacking Chances: By keeping the bishop on c5, Black eyes the f2-square and sometimes prepares …d5 to blast open the centre.
- Tempo Economy vs. Safety: Unlike the main line 5…Ba5, the McDonnell Defense does not lose a tempo to a3 and may be theoretically sounder; however, the bishop can become a tactical target after d4–d5 or Be3.
- Modern Evaluation: With computer assistance, the line is considered playable but requires accurate defence (…Nf6, …d6, …O-O are typical).
Historical Game
Evans – McDonnell, London 1827:
Captain Evans won brilliantly, prompting theoreticians to prefer the safer 5…Ba5 for decades.
Modern Example
Carlsen – Mamedyarov, Vugar Gashimov Memorial 2021 (rapid): The World Champion tested the McDonnell line and achieved a small, enduring initiative, eventually converting in an endgame. The game showed that despite vintage origins, the variation remains relevant at elite level.
Trivia
- The nickname “McDonnell Defense” sometimes causes confusion because there is also a “McDonnell Gambit” in the King’s Gambit (1. e4 e5 2. f4 exf4 3. Nf3 g5 4. h4 g4 5. Ne5).
- Alexander McDonnell was part of the first great chess rivalry, playing six match series against Louis-Charles de La Bourdonnais in 1834—games instrumental to the Romantic era of chess.