[Event "The Fried Liver Attack Guide: Chapter 3 - \"Traxler Counter Gambit\""] [Site "https://lichess.org/study/LDCZvBvp/9rebQNSE"] [Result "*"] [Variant "Standard"] [ECO "C57"] [Opening "Italian Game: Two Knights Defense, Traxler Counterattack, King March Line"] [Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/jjeremmy77"] [UTCDate "2016.08.20"] [UTCTime "21:23:07"] [Source "https://lichess.org/study/LDCZvBvp/9rebQNSE"] [Orientation "white"] { Black has a sneaky counter gambit that they can try in this line, and it's important to be prepared for it if you are going to aim fo the Fried Liver Attack. Let's get right to the critical position... } { [%csl Gf2,Gf7][%cal Ge1f2,Ge8f7] } 1. e4 { [%csl Gf5,Gd5][%cal Ge4d5,Ge4f5] } 1... e5 { [%csl Gf4,Gd4][%cal Ge5d4,Ge5f4] } 2. Nf3 { [%csl Ge5][%cal Gf3e5] } 2... Nc6 { [%csl Ge5][%cal Gc6e5,Gf3e5] } 3. Bc4 { [%csl Gf7][%cal Gc4f7] } 3... Nf6 { [%csl Ge4][%cal Gf6e4] } 4. Ng5 { The logical move from Black in this position is d5, as we covered in a previous chapter. However, Black can also try this plan... } { [%csl Gf7][%cal Gg5f7,Gc4f7] } 4... Bc5 { This is the defining move of the "Traxler Counter Gambit". Ignoring the obvious threat on f7, Black boldly sets up a sacrifice of their own on f2. White should not become hypnotized by such a move and continue with the original plan... } { [%csl Gf2][%cal Gc5f2] } 5. Nxf7 { [%csl Gd8,Gh8][%cal Gf7d8,Gf7h8] } (5. Bxf7+ Kf8 6. Bb3 $16 { Winning a pawn and stripping Black of the option to castle, this continuation is a fine move which leads to far less complications. }) 5... Bxf2+ { Again, Black ignores the Knight that is forking their Queen and Rook and sacrifices a Bishop. If White is too greedy, they will easily find themselves in a world of trouble. } 6. Kxf2 { Greedy, but natural. Surely, White can just capture this Bishop, right? Not so fast... } (6. Kf1 { Best move } 6... Qe7 7. Nxh8 Bb6 { This sequence eliminates most of Blacks threats, however the game is still very complicated. White must play accurately as the smallest error could lead to disaster. } { [%csl Gf1] }) 6... Nxe4+ { [%csl Gf3,Ge3,Ge2,Ge1,Gf1,Gg1] } 7. Ke3 { Definitely not the best move but also not uncommon, especially at lower levels. All of a sudden, it is the White King in the center of the board instead of the Black King and Black still has the initiative to attack. } { [%csl Ge3] } (7. Kg1 Qh4 { This is best move for White, but still not very comfortable. The Rook in the corner will have a hard time coming into the game later, the King is on a weird square, and the Queenside pieces need work. } { [%csl Gh1,Gg1,Ga1,Gb1,Gc1] } 8. Nxh8 { instantly loses to ... } { [%csl Gf2] } 8... Qf2#) (7. Ke1 Qh4+ 8. g3 Nxg3 9. hxg3 Qxh1+ { Black has a serious advantage. }) (7. Ke2 Nd4+ 8. Ke3 Qh4 9. Rf1 d5 { another serious advantage for Black }) 7... Qh4 $10 { Black sends the Queen deep into the enemy position with an aggressive and strong move that would make Paul Morphy proud. Notice the timid King sitting in the center? } { [%csl Ge3] } 8. Nxh8 { Greed must be punished! The game is now over for White. } (8. g3 Qe7 9. Kxe4 $13) 8... Qf4+ 9. Ke2 Qf2+ 10. Kd3 Nb4+ 11. Kxe4 Qf4# { To close this chapter, it is important to learn the Traxler Counter Gambit from both the White and Black perspectives if you are going to try the Fried Liver Attack. It is a fun surprise weapon that Black can employ if White plays Ng5 on move 4. } *