The Giuoco Piano (pronounced [ˈdʒwɔːko ˈpjaːno]; Italian for 'Quiet Game')[1] is a chess opening beginning with the moves: "White aims to develop quickly – but so does Black.

The Giuoco Piano was popular through the 19th century, but modern refinements in defensive play have led most chess masters towards openings like the Ruy Lopez that offer White greater chances for long-term initiative.

In modern play, grandmasters have shown distinct preference for the slower and more strategic Giuoco Pianissimo (4.d3, or 4.c3 Nf6 5.d3).

Anatoly Karpov used the Giuoco Pianissimo against Viktor Korchnoi twice in the 1981 World Championship match, with both games ending in a draw;[6][7] Garry Kasparov used it against Joël Lautier at Linares 1994, resigning after 29 moves;[8] Vladimir Kramnik chose it against Teimour Radjabov at Linares (2004);[9] Viswanathan Anand used it to defeat Jon Hammer in 2010;[10] Magnus Carlsen used it against Hikaru Nakamura at London 2011, winning in 41 moves[11] and Ian Nepomniachtchi used it against Magnus Carlsen in the 2021 World Championship match, losing in 49 moves.

With 4.d3, White plays the Giuoco Pianissimo (Italian for 'Very Quiet Game', a name given by Adolf Anderssen).

By avoiding an immediate confrontation in the centre, White prevents the early release of tension through exchanges and enters a positional maneuvering game.

[27] If White plays c2–c3, the position can take some characteristics of the Ruy Lopez if the bishop retreats to c2 via b3.

This idea has been taken up by some grandmasters, such as Anish Giri, to avoid the drawish Berlin Defence in the Ruy Lopez.