Trattato Del Nobilissimo Gioco De Scacchi, a manuscript completed in 1620, established the early career of an Italian prodigy who transformed the game of chess. Gioachino Greco, a native of Celico, spent his brief life traversing Europe to compete against the most formidable opponents of the early seventeenth century, effectively inventing the role of the professional chess player.
The Itinerant Professional
Born around 1600, Greco left his home at a young age to pursue a career in chess. His ability allowed him to secure patronage by crafting instructional manuscripts for elite figures in Rome. By 1622, he had achieved significant financial success in Paris, reportedly accumulating 5,000 crowns after defeating renowned players such as the Duc de Nemours and M. Chaumont de la Salle. Despite a setback involving the loss of his earnings to thieves while traveling to England, he continued to challenge the English chess elite, eventually establishing himself as the premier player in Europe through further victories in Madrid.
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Greco departed from the contemporary practice of merely documenting isolated chess puzzles, choosing instead to record entire games. While scholars debate whether these matches were actual contests or tactical constructs designed to illustrate brilliant combinations, they served as definitive examples of the Italian Romantic school. His style was characterized by aggressive, high-risk attacks on the opponent's king. Beyond gameplay, he authored comprehensive rules, such as The Lawes of Chesse, which included early stipulations on castling—a maneuver sometimes referred to as 'alla Calabrese' in his honor.
Lasting Influence
The dissemination of Greco's work occurred largely after his death in 1634 in the West Indies. In 1656, his writings were adapted into English as The Royall Game of Chesse-Play, which reached a significantly wider audience than his private manuscripts. His influence bridged the gap between early players and later figures such as Philidor and Paul Morphy. By documenting his own expertise and providing foundational strategies, he provided the first coherent framework for the game in an era before organized associations or standardized competitions existed.
Fast facts
- Born: 1600, Celico, Italy
- Died: 1634, Antilles
- Primary Occupation: Professional chess player
- Notable Manuscript: Trattato Del Nobilissimo Gioco De Scacchi
- Regional Alias: il Calabrese
- Career Peak: Defeated the top players in Rome, Paris, London, and Madrid
- Legacy: First professional chess player
- Opening namesakes: Greco Defence and Greco Countergambit
Questions readers ask
Why is the origin of his name speculative?
While some historians suggest 'Greco' implies a Greek heritage related to his home region of Calabria, others argue it is simply a surname, as there is no concrete evidence connecting him to Greece.
How did he earn his living?
Greco relied entirely on his chess expertise, earning money through match victories, prizes, and by creating commissioned manuscripts for wealthy patrons.
Achievements
- Discipline: chess
