I really don't see the purpose in it.

Because people are dumb

it's not unplayable in 1 or 2 minute games, if followed by 3...Qe7.

It's played because they believe the (f6) pawn will protect the (e) pawn and be a solid position. Of course this is a beginners mistake to think that, these day no decent chess player would dare take the risk of playing it unless maybe if they are dealing with beginners.

Phiman252> I really don't see the purpose in it.

Beginners play it because the f-pawn defends the e-pawn. They're surprised by the sac and quickly lose as per the game above.

More advanced players use it as a surprise weapon because their opponents are unlikely to know any theory beyond Nxe5. That gives a player who knows its theory good chances of drawing at the master level, and good chances of winning at the amateur level. Especially when your opponent underestimates you because of your opening!

RosarioVampire> it's not unplayable in 1 or 2 minute games, if followed by 3...Qe7.

It's playable even at 45 minutes / game. Fischer was unable to break down the defense. Chigorin played it and lived to tell the tale. Class A and below players have lost.

Scarjo was brave enough to try it at correspondence time controls.

http://www.chess.com/forum/view/chess-openings/damiano-defense-leads-to-victory

Likeforest have u got an example of a game that was drawn at the master level using this opening defence?

Here are the two master-level draws that I mentioned:

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And a couple more interesting games:

...

Don't get me wrong. I am not saying to switch to it. I do not plan to play this defense! At the same time, practical examples demonstrate it's not as simple to break down as many believe after watching the refutation of one or two lines in a book or youtube video.

Yes, to say that Damiano is an auto-mate in 11 or whatever is obviously wrong. However if 3...Qe7 4. Nc4, I think you can safely say white has an extremely comfortable position, and has gotten way too much advantage out of the opening. 

yup i agree

bondiggity, precisely.

That Thaler vs Sloan game is embarassing to watch. White played extremely poorly.

Yes, white really blew his winning chances there...