Greco Defence


The Greco Defence, named after Gioachino Greco, is a chess opening beginning with the moves:
The opening is categorized as ECO code C40.

Discussion

Of the several plausible ways Black has to defend his e-pawn, 2...Qf6 is considered one of the weaker choices, since the queen is developed prematurely and can become a target for attack. Also, the black knight on g8 is deprived of its most natural square. There is, however, no obvious refutation of this opening; White's advantage consists mainly of being able to develop more smoothly.
Although it is a popular opening choice by novice players, it has also been used by players who, according to International Master Gary Lane, "should know better".

Examples

Greco line

Greco himself illustrated the following amusing line against this defense in 1620:

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Qf6?! 3. Bc4 Qg6 4. 0-0 Qxe4 5. Bxf7+ Ke7
6. Re1 Qf4 7. Rxe5+ Kxf7
8. d4 Qf6 9. Ng5+ Kg6 10. Qd3+ Kh6 11. Nf7# 1–0

McConnell game

vs. McConnell, New Orleans 1849:

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Qf6 3. Nc3 c6 4. d4 exd4 5. e5 Qg6 6. Bd3
6... Qxg2 7. Rg1 Qh3 8. Rg3 Qh5 9. Rg5 Qh3 10. Bf1 Qe6 11. Nxd4

Busch game

vs. Busch, Düsseldorf 1863:
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Qf6 3. Bc4 Nh6
4. 0-0 Bc5 5. Nc3 c6 6. d4! Bxd4 7. Nxd4 exd4 8. e5 Qg6 9. Qxd4