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| Moves | 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Qf6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| ECO | C40 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Named after | Gioachino Greco | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Parent | Open Game, King's Knight Opening | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Synonym(s) | McConnell Defense | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Greco Defence (or McConnell Defense), named after Gioachino Greco (c. 1600 – c. 1634), is a chess opening beginning with the moves:
The opening is categorized as ECO code C40.
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| This article uses algebraic notation to describe chess moves. |
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".
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[1]