Giuoco Piano directly translated means 'Piano Game', however a more contextually accurate translation would be the 'Quiet Game'. The Giuoco Piano is named as such, because it is a solid and harmonious opening, allowing both sides to develop their pieces in a controlled and balanced way. The Giuoco Piano is one of the oldest recorded openings. Its first known proponent was Pedro Damiano, one of the earliest Portuguese masters. It was Pedro who coined the well-known chess proverb, "If you see a good move, try to find a better one". Pedro's analysis of the Giuoco Piano dates back to the beginning of the 16th century. In the following 17th century, Gioachino Greco, an Italian master continued to develop many of the opening concepts, most of which hold true to this day. It was Greco who coined the name 'Giuoco Piano'.
Giuoco piano - Introduction
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Giuoco piano - Main line
Interestingly enough, up until the 19th century, the name 'Giuoco piano' which loosely translates to 'quiet game' was applied to any opening that was not considered a gambit. The mainline of the Italian game generally results in an even middle game, assuming neither side blunders. It was one of the most popular openings from the time of Lucena, Luis Ramirez who in 1479 authored the earliest surviving book regarding practical play. The Modenese masters regarded the Italian game as the strongest opening, later in the in the mid 17th century the Italian game was viewed by more aggressive players as the gateway to the Evans Gambit. The 'Giuoco piano' though always popular, was surpassed by the Spanish game in the mid 19th century at the highest levels of play.
Giuoco piano - Main line
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Giuoco piano - Giuoco pianissimo
The Giuoco Pianissimo is the modern day evolution of the Giuoco Piano. Today's grandmasters have demonstrated a clear preference for its slower and more strategic nature. In fact its name means, 'Very quiet game' and was coined by Adolf Anderssen. It is an excellent response to black's dark-squared bishop to C5, while avoiding the drawish Berlin defence. It is a slow and solid opening, which lets white occupy the centre. Black is forced to bring out their pieces before they can challenge white. This is why 'Giuoco Pianissimo' means 'very quiet game'. In this opening there are no dramatic pawn advances or sacrifices. It is a slow and methodical response which results in slow positional games.
Giuoco piano - Giuoco pianissimo
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Giuoco piano - Blackburne shilling gambit
The Blackburne Shilling Gambit is named after the English chess player Joseph Henry Blackburne. The gambit is considered an extremely dubious option, as it sacrifices material for early attacking chances. If the gambit is refuted, though it will result in material equality, white will be left in a much more powerful position; ready to castle and with a significant head start in development. Joseph lived from 1841 to 1924 and was considered one of the world's best players for 20 years, which is only exemplified by the fact that he did not learn how to play chess until the age of 17, which by modern standards is considered ancient. Joseph was an expert checkers player, however after learning of Paul Morphy's exploits in Europe, he decided to take up chess. His progress in comprehending the game was so rapid, that after joining the Manchester chess club, in about one year's time he became the club champion.
