Two Knights Defence

ECO C55–C59 · Level: Intermediate · Also known as: Kızarmış Ciğer Saldırısı, Fried Liver, Traxler

The Two Knights Defence meets the Italian with the counter-attacking 3...Nf6. The famous Fried Liver Attack comes from this opening.

Position at the end of the main line

Main line

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6

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History

Known since the 16th century. 4.Ng5 attacking f7 is one of the lines newer players meet most; Black's correct answer is 4...d5 5.exd5 Na5.

White's plan

  • 4.Ng5 attacks f7 a second time and forces Black to give a pawn.
  • 4.d3 transposes into a calm, solid Italian structure.
  • 4.d4 opens the centre and looks for an attack based on fast development.

Black's plan

  • Black attacks e4 and tries to seize the initiative.
  • Against 4.Ng5, 4...d5 5.exd5 Na5! gives Black a lead in development for the pawn.
  • Brave players try the counter-sacrifice 4...Bc5 (Traxler).

Key variations

Main line: 4.Ng5 d5 5.exd5 Na5

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.Ng5 d5 5.exd5 Na5 6.Bb5+ c6 7.dxc6 bxc6 8.Be2 h6

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Fried Liver Attack

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.Ng5 d5 5.exd5 Nxd5 6.Nxf7 Kxf7 7.Qf3+ Ke6 8.Nc3

After the mistake 5...Nxd5?, White sacrifices a knight to drag Black's king into the centre.

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Traxler Counter-Attack

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.Ng5 Bc5 5.Nxf7 Bxf2+

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Traps you should know

The Fried Liver trap

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.Ng5 d5 5.exd5 Nxd5 6.Nxf7 Kxf7 7.Qf3+ Ke6 8.Nc3

5...Nxd5? looks natural, but 6.Nxf7! exposes Black's king, which ends up in grave danger on e6. Black should play 5...Na5.

Position at the end of the trap
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Who should play it?

For Black players who enjoy sharp, tactical play. Anyone playing White should know the Fried Liver idea.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Fried Liver Attack?

It is the attack in which White sacrifices a knight on f7 after Black's mistake 5...Nxd5?, dragging the king into the centre.

How should Black meet 4.Ng5?

4...d5 5.exd5 Na5! is the soundest path; Black gets quick development for the pawn.

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Related openings

  • Italian Game — The Italian Game is a classic 1.e4 e5 opening in which White develops the bishop to c4 and eyes the weak f7 square.
  • Evans Gambit — The Evans Gambit is a romantic, aggressive Italian line in which White sacrifices a pawn with 4.b4 to gain rapid development and a strong centre.
  • Four Knights Game — The Four Knights Game, in which both sides develop their knights to their natural squares, is symmetrical and solid—perfect for learning opening principles.

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