Giuoco Piano

Giuoco piano - Introduction

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".

The 'Giuoco Piano' loosely translated means, the 'Quite game' this is because it is a slow harmonious game in which both sides make moves in accordance with fundamental chess principles.

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. To this day the Italian game is viewed as the best gateway to chess, though it begins simply, it quickly escalates in complexity and breadth into a game in which players must develop an understanding of long term strategy as well as short term planning. The mainline of the Italian game is an excellent way for novice as well as seasoned chess players to expand their understanding and abilities.

The mainline of the 'Giuoco Piano' though a straight forward opening, quickly snowballs in complexity where calculation and short as well as long term strategy are essential.

Giuoco piano - Giuoco pianissimo

The Giuoco Pianissimo is the modern day evolution of the Giuoco Piano. Todays grandmasters have demonstrated a clear preference to 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 Italian. In this opening there are no dramatic pawn advances or sacrifices. It is a slow and methodical response which leads to positional games.

The Giuoco Pianissimo is the modern day evolution of the Giuoco Piano. It is an excellent response to black's dark-squared bishop to C5, while avoiding the drawish Berlin defence.

Introduction to the Giuoco Piano

Giuoco piano - Introduction

Giuoco piano - Main line

Giuoco piano - Giuoco pianissimo