3. Giuoco Piano

The Giuoco Piano is the first recorded opening. It is men­tioned in the Göttingen Manuscript (1490) and by all the early authors. It dates from the time when Italy was the ruling power in chess.

Belying its name, which means quiet game, the Giuoco Piano currently is spirited and forceful. It grants White lati­tude for imagination, leading to exciting combinations, and it is full of pitfalls for the unwary. Its distinguishing feature is the development of White's King Bishop to QB4 on his third move. This characteristic move portends attack.

The opening arises as follows:

1P-K4 ....

The initial skirmish is to gain command of the central squares. 1P-K4 is an attempt to control the central square Q5 and also the square KB5. While KB5 is not as valuable as Q5, it is within the domain of the central squares.

A secondary reason for the advance of the King Pawn is to release the King Bishop and the Queen for future action.

1            .... P-K4

Black's reasons for this move are basically the same as White's. Other moves, leading to other patterns, will be dis­cussed in due time.

2            N-KB3 ....

The primary purpose of this move is to put additional pressure on the central squares, in this case the squares K5 and Q4. Eventually, by concerted pressure, White hopes to reach the goal of gaining command of the central squares. Incidentally, the move attacks Black's King Pawn.

2            .... N-QB3

While the attack on the King Pawn is incidental to White, it is of prime importance to Black. The loss of even a puny Pawn, as a rule, is of greater value than control of the central squares. That is why Black defends the Pawn. His choice of defense, moreover, is good. For the text move does double duty: it defends the King Pawn and puts pressure on central squares—Black's K4 and Q5.

3            B-B4 ....

Again, White eyes the center. The Bishop bears down on Q5. Also, the move does double duty. The most vulnerable square in Black's camp is KB2. That square is adjacent to the King and is defended only by the King. The newly developed Bishop, therefore, not only bears down on the center, but also on the vulnerable square.

The single attack on Black's weak spot, at this stage of the game, is almost insignificant. It may become potent, however, as the game progresses.

3 . . . . B-B4

 Black follows suit for the same reason.

At this juncture, there are many ways of continuing—active and passive. For years, the passive way was in vogue. This consisted of emphasizing development, without any particular goal. White would bring out his Queen Knight to B3, play his Pawn to Q3 and castle; Black would do likewise. The resultant symmetrical position would tend towards a draw. Currently, White's treatment of the opening is different. He attempts to capture the center by force.

4 P-B3 . . . .

An effective way of dominating the center is by doing so with Pawns. The text move is preparatory to the advance of the Queen Pawn.

4 . . . . N-B3

Black cannot afford to permit the execution of White's plan without adequate counter-measures. His choice is to attack White's King Pawn. This places obstacles in White's path. For the unguarded King Pawn requires attention.

Black's method of meeting White's threat to obtain control of the center is technically known as the counter-attack. An alternative line is 4 ... Q-K2. Then, if White continues with 5 P-Q4, Black does not capture, but retreats his Bishop to N3. Black's King Pawn is defended by Knight and Queen, and White cannot compel Black to exchange Pawns. In the event of the exchange, Black has no King Pawn, and White will remain with King and Queen Pawns. The extra center Pawn in White's favor will result in White's domination of the center.
The 4 ... Q-K2 line of play may well be called the "hold the line" defense. In practice, however, it has been found de­ficient. For Black runs out of good moves, sooner or later, and must bide his time awaiting the moment when White will strike.

5 P-Q4 . . . .

According to plan. White disregards the attack on his King Pawn as he is attacking Black's King Pawn with a pre­ponderance of force.

5            . . . . PxP

More or less forced. If, for example, 5 ... B-N3; 6 PxP, KNxP; 7 Q-Q5 and, since White threatens checkmate as well as the Black Knight, he must win a piece. Nor will 5 ... B-Q3 do as it impedes Black's development. Black's Queen Bishop will be unable to get out for some time.

6            PxP . . . .

Again, according to plan. White wishes to dominate the central squares with Pawns. Observe that 6 NxP would be the complete negation of White's plan.

6            . . . . B-N5ch

This foreseen, tempo-gaining device is the saving clause. If the Bishop were to retreat to N3 or K2, White could com­pletely rout the Black forces by advancing P-Q5, followed by P-K5.

7            N-B3 . . . .

The text move has the earmarks of speculation, for it in­volves material sacrifice. One Pawn goes immediately, another will follow on the subsequent move, and in the main line there is a trap baited with a Rook. Experience, however, proves this to be the best plan at White's command. For he obtains excel­lent attacking chances.

Instead, White can play safe with 8 B-Q2. Then, after 8 . . . BxBch; 9 QNxB, White's King Pawn is defended. Black, however, will continue with 9 ... P-Q4, for, after 10 PxP, KNxP, White will remain with an isolated Queen Pawn. True, White commands more of the central squares than Black. But his isolated Pawn is a liability which does not add up to his asset.

7           . . . . NxKP

The capture of the King Pawn engenders a certain amount of risk for both sides! Black leaves himself open to attack, and White suffers from the material loss of the Pawn. Conse­quently, White will endeavor to capitalize his initiative, and Black will strive for consolidation.

Failure to capture the Pawn, on the other hand, would be an error of judgment. For then White would have achieved his goal—command of the center—at no cost.

Nor would it be wise for Black to cede the center in the hope of battering it down with 7 ... P-Q4. This move has been tried and found wanting. (See Chess Movie, page 49.) It is only by incisive play that White refutes 7 ... P-Q4. This is traceable to the early opening of the King file for White's attack.

8           O-O . . . .

In order to unpin the Queen Knight, secure the White King from molestation and mobilize the White King Rook for action, possibly on the open King file.

8 . . . . NxN

With a Pawn plus and the attacking chances favoring White, Black's best chance is to cut down the forces to reduce the impact of any brewing attack.

8 . . . BxN has been tried on the same grounds and found distasteful. This move leaves open the spectacular counter stroke 9 P-Q5, known as the Moeller Attack. The resultant position is perilous for both sides. (See Chess Movie, page 52.)

9 PxN . . . .

9 . . . . P-Q4!

An important interpolation. The counter-attack on White's Bishop gives Black the opportunity to open new lines for rapid development. Since Black's uncastled King will be in the crossfire of White's ready batteries, Black must utilize every available means to free his forces for defense.

Alternatives are dangerous for Black. For instance, if 9 ... BxP, White obtains the better game as follows: 10 B-R3! N-K2; 11 Q-N3, P-Q4; 12 QxB, PxB; IS KR-K1, B-K3; 14 BxN, KxB; 15 P-Q5, QxP; 16 QR-Q1 with an overwhelming attack. E.g., 16 . . . Q-QB4; 17 R-K5, Q-N3; 18 RxBch!, QxR; 19 R-Kl and wins.

In this line, if-instead of JO ... N-K2-Black plays JO . . . P-Q4, there follows: JJ B-N5, BxR; 12 R-Klch, B-K3; 13 Q-R4, R-QN1; 14 N-K5, Q-Bl; 15 BxNch, PxB; 16 QxPch, K-Ql; 17 NxPch, BxN; J8 B-K7 mate.

It is impossible within the scope of this work to cover the reasons behind the moves in the sub- and sub-sub-variations. Nonetheless, the learner can turn what seems like a fault into a virtue. By experimenting at each stumbling block, the learner will familiarize himself with the possibilities of the position. At the same time, he will obtain a firm grasp of what is involved.

For instance, in the above variation (see position after 9 PxN and play . . . BxP; 10 B-R3), what happens if Black plays 10 . . . BxR, instead of 10 ... N-K2? After all, a Rook is more valuable than a Bishop. The answer comes rap­idly. White will continue with 11 R-Klch, compelling Black to interpose . . . N-K2. White will follow up 12 BxN, QxB; 13 RxQch, KxR; 14 QxB and should win.

Or, in the same variation, after 10 . . . N-K2; 11 Q-N3, if Black captures 11 . . . BxR, how shall White proceed? The answer here is less obvious. But it is not difficult. White plays 12 BxTch, K-Bl; IS R-Kl, P-Q3; 14 N-N5. In doing so, White threatens to retreat his Bishop to KN6 or KR5 and menace mate at B7. Black has no valid defense.

There is still another logical-looking move for Black at his 9th turn. (See position after 9 PxN.) It is 9 ... B-K2. At first sight, this seems to consolidate Black's position and permits him to retain the extra Pawn—just what Black is seeking. Sharp play on the part of White, however, will make Black's task difficult. E.g., 9 ... B-K2; 10 P-Q5, N-Nl; 11 P-Q6, PxP; 12 BxPch, KxB; 13 Q-Q5ch, K-Bl; 14 N-N5, Q-Kl; 15 R-Kl, and White's positional superiority makes Black's material plus of no consequence.

Observe the lack of mobility of the Black forces. The entire Queen-side is hemmed in. Of course, the onus rests upon White to capitalize quickly on his plus, before Black develops. But it can be done. With correct play, the Black King should fall a target to White's trained guns. Or failing that, Black will be compelled to part with his ill-gotten gains and more.

10 PxB . . . .

Now, if White moves his Bishop, Black is able to consoli­date and retain the extra Pawn.

1. . . . . PxB
2. R-Klch . . . .

A Pawn behind, White has compensation in his pressure on the opposing King. He must utilize this to the full.

Threatening 13 B-R3.

Another way is 12 Q-K2, B-K3; 13 B-N5, Q-Q4; 14 BxN, KxB; 15 Q-B2. White's compensation for his Pawn minus is Black's awkward King position. While this line is also in the spirit of the opening, exacting play is required of both sides. The chances are about even.

12 . . . .OO

To release the annoying pin.

White must recover his Pawn. 14 . . . B-K3 is met by 15 N-N5, threatening mate and the exchange of the Bishop which guards the Pawn. White will be saddled with an isolated Queen Pawn as against which his superior development and greater command of terrain are compensation. With correct play, the outcome is likely a draw.

Conclusions

Since the Giuoco Piano is a wild and woolly game, with tactical threats and combinations predominating, it should appeal to the type of player whose imagination occasionally runs rampant.

Despite its age, the Giuoco still lends itself to current re­finements. Black's 9th move, for instance, is a recent innova­tion, superseding another move which was long considered best and which now stands refuted.

The following two Chess Movies are typical examples of lines in the Giuoco Piano.

Chess Movie

UNLUCKY SEVEN

retribution in chess follows closely upon the heels o£ omission. Below, however, von Bardeleben (Black) wears seven-league boots; his imperceptible error on move seven noticeably remains unpunished for many moves. Inevitable fate and one-time world champion, W. Steinitz (White), finally catch up with a classic refutation, for which Steinitz obtained the brilliancy prize at Hastings, 1895.

I

The coming scene is the Giuoco Piano; the syn­opsis: 1 P-K4, P-K4; 2 N-KB3, N-QB3; 3 B-B4, B-B4; 4 P-B3, N-B3; 5 P-Q4, PxP; 6 PxP, B-N5cfc; 7 N-B3, P-Q4. By vigorous prosecution of the initiative, and with a long bead on the Black monarch, Steinitz dooms Black's de­fense.

2

 There follows 8 PxP, KNxP; 9 O-O, B-K3, ar­riving at the next posi­tion. Superficially, Black is well off. White's isolated Queen Pawn is a handicap, while Black's development is sound and his Pawn chain is solid. All is not what it seems. A few deft strokes and Steinitz is in command.

3

 First comes 10B-KN5, molesting the Queen. Bardeleben parries with JO ... B-K2. Then follows a general exchange: 11BxN, B/3xB; 12 NxB, QxN. The strategical plan is mysterious. If Steinitz wishes to attack, he must maintain his forces. But, instead, he is swapping down!

4

 Violation upon viola­tion: Steinitz continues to swap. There follows 13 BxB, NxB. In another move, Black will castle and hammer away at White's weak, isolated Pawn. But ho! the master has something up his sleeve. He plays 14 R-Kl, pinning the Black Knight against its own King.

5

 There are pins and pins. This pin appears to be a piddling pin. Bar­deleben will snap it with ease. He plays 14 . . . P-KB3, creating an exit for his King. By J5 Q-K2, however, Steinitz piles upon the pinned piece. Bardeleben defends with . . . Q-Q2, and there follows: 16 QR-B1, P-B3.

6

 Bardeleben has built a barrier. Steinitz crashes through with 17 P-Q5. There follows 17 . . . PxP; 18 N-Q4, K-B2; 19 N-K6. A Knight at K6 is like a bone in the throat, says Steinitz. Now he must prove it. He has al­ready invested a Pawn in his principles! A Pawn from Steinitz is rarer than rubies!

7

 The threat is Rook to the seventh rank. A "pig on the seventh" can make life miserable. So Bar-deleben parries with J9 . . . KR-QB1. Now follows 20 Q-N4. The threat is QxPch with mate to follow. White also focuses his attention on the Black Queen which is un­guarded.

8

Bardeleben parries with 20 . . . P-KN3. Steinitz withdraws 21 N-N5ch, exposing Black's Queen to jeopardy. The King comes to the aid of the beleaguered lady with . . . K-Kl. The moment is tense as Bardele-ben awaits the next thrust. It is no thrust; it is a meat axe. 22 BxNch is the move.

9

Bardeleben moves 22 . . . K-Bl. He can't play . . . QxR because of RxRch. A merry chase en­sues: 23 R-B7ch, K-Nl; 24 R-N7ch, K-Rl; 25 R×Pch. AU the time, Black's Queen is im­mune. For if ever RxQ, Black replies . . . RxRch with mate to follow. Bardeleben now bows out of the picture.

10

¶The finale would be 25 . . . . K-Nl; 26 R-N7ch, K-Rl when a mate in 9 ensues: 27 Q-R4ch, KxR; 28 Q-R7cfc, K-Bl; 29 Q-R8ch, K-K2; 30 Q-N7ch, K-Kl; 32 Q-N8ch, K-K2; 32 Q-B7ch, K-Ql; 33 Q-B8ch, Q-Kl; 34 N-B7ch, K-Q2; 35 Q-Q6 mate. Small wonder Steinitz was world champion 27 years.

Chess Movie

SECOND FEATURE: MURDER AT K7

Position is everything on the chessboard. Forces entering the charmed circle of an engaging action are relatively more important at the moment than powerful pieces on the side­lines. Such is the course of the following game: The first en­gaging action is the last! The players? . . . merely White and Black. Their identity is lost in anonymity. The game opens with 1 P-K4, P-K4; 2 N-KB3, N-QB3; 3 B-B4, B-B4; 4 P-B3, N-B3. {See diagram No. 1.)

I

The game continues: 5 P-Q4, PxP; 6 PxP, B-N5ch; 7 N-B3, NxKP; 8 O-O, BxN; 9 P-Q5! This launches into a variation which is known as the Moeller At­tack. From the beginning, it is clear this is a wild and woolly match between posi­tion and material.

2

Already a piece plus, Black is ready for pun­ishment. Material salves abuse. He plays 9 ... N-K4, counter-attacking the White Bishop. The game continues 10 PxB, NxB; 11 Q-Q4. White's Queen attacks in all directions—both Knights and the Knight Pawn are targets.

3

 Safety first is not Black's code. He might as well be hanged for a Knight as well as for a Pawn. So he retreats 11 . . . N/B5-Q3. White captures 12 QxNP, at­tacking the Rook. And Black parries: 12 . . . Q-B3. So far, so good. Black retains the loot.

4

 Now White is accom­modating. A piece be­hind, he swaps Queens: 13 QxQ, NxQ. With Queens off the board and the mating attacks cut to a minimum, the extra piece looms large in the reckoning. But White is just beginning to fight. 14 R-Klch is the move.

5

 Black plays 14 ... K-Bl. He holds on to everything. He does not wish to interpose and return a Knight. The onus of forcing the issue rests with White. He draws the mating net tight about the Black mon­arch, before Black's reserves come out. 15 B-R6ch, K-Nl; 16 R-K5, menacing mate.

6

 Black staves off mate by 15 . . . N/B3-K5. White continues 16 QR-K1, meaning to capture the Knight. And Black defends with . . . P-KB4. Now White covers all the exits with 17 R-K7. There follows: 17 ... P-N3; 18 N-R4, B-N2; 19 P-B3. The Knight must flee. But where?

7

 First Black counters with 19 . . . N-B2. At­tacking White's Bishop, he hopes to break up the in­trusion. But White is adamant. The Bishop will not move. 20 NxP is the move. All of White's men are in the fray. And Black dare not pare down. If he tries, he loses ma­terial but White keeps posi­tion.

8

 Retreat is in order, 20

. . . N/5-Q3 follows. Still everything is in­tact. Maybe White's onslaught is spent. Maybe now the extra piece will tell . . . Maybe . . . But Black is day-dream­ing. He is rudely awakened. The punishment will fit his crimes in overflowing measure.

9

 White crashes through with 21 R-K8ch. Can such things be and overcome us? What of all the principles of chess? Can Rooks be flaunted defiantly in the face of overpowering ma­terial odds? . . . Well, all is well that ends well. For the right side, indeed, it is spec­tacularly so!

10

Now comes the de- nouement. 21 . . . RxR; 22 RxRch, NxR; 23 N-K7 mate! What a picture! Black is a Rook and Knight ahead—a lot of useless wood strewn about the beheaded King. Moral: Material isn't everything in chess. Develop­ment is important—on the right squares.

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