Giuoco Piano

The Giuoco Piano is an old King Pawn Opening that has been played for centuries. It can be played in a tactical way or a slower positional way. However, there is so much theory about it that the attacking lines have been analysed to boring equality for Black, if Black is a strong player that knows theory. Alternative lines include the Bishop’s Opening, Ruy Lopez, Two Knight’s Defence, and the Evan’s Gambit.

Diagram: Giuoco Piano

The main line is the “Greco Attack” and also the “Moeller Attack”.

Alternative Lines to the Greco

The main alternatives to the Giuoco Piano’s “Greco Attack” line of 4.c3 are:

• 4.d3 … Guico Pianissimo (quiet play line)
• 4.b4!? … Evan’s Gambit
• 4.d4!? … Italian Gambit
• 4.O-O

Related Chess Openings Topics

Read more about these related chess openings, strategies, chess puzzles, and other chess topics:

• Giuoco Pianissimo
• Two Knights’ Defence
• Evan’s Gambit
• Italian Gambit
• Max Lange Attack
• Scotch Gambit