Italian Game: Two Knights Defense, Traxler Counterattack, Bishop Sacrifice Line

A sharp and aggressive chess opening that often leads to tactical battles and sacrifices on both sides.

1. e4 2. e5 3. Nf3 4. Nc6 5. Bc4 6. Nf6 7. Ng5 8. Bc5 9. Bxf7+

The opening in question is a highly aggressive and tactical variation that can lead to exciting and complex positions. It begins with the standard Italian Game moves, but quickly deviates when Black opts for a specific counterattack by developing their bishop to a certain square instead of the more common move. White's response is to capture a pawn with their bishop, sacrificing it in the process.

This opening is not for the faint of heart, as both players will often find themselves sacrificing material in order to gain an advantage or create threats against the opponent's king. The resulting positions can be highly imbalanced and difficult to evaluate, making it a favorite choice for players who enjoy sharp tactical battles and are willing to take risks.

While this counterattack is not as popular or well-studied as other lines in the Italian Game, it has been employed by strong players and can catch opponents off guard. It is important for both White and Black to be well-prepared in this opening, as a single mistake can lead to a quick defeat.

In summary, this opening is a fascinating and aggressive variation that can lead to thrilling games full of tactics and sacrifices. Players who enjoy sharp positions and are willing to take risks may find this opening to be a perfect fit for their repertoire.

Frequency: 26.3 %Stockfish score: 1.4, depth 50
Games Statistics:
White/Draws/Black
52.9%
3.1%
44%
Bookmoves score:
RateWhiteBlack
0...180067.056.8
1800...200062.661.2
2000...220064.256
2200...250061.653.2
2500...59.244.4

Variations:

Italian Game: Two Knights Defense, Traxler Variation, Trencianske-Teplice Gambit

The Italian Game: Two Knights Defense, Traxler Variation, Trencianske-Teplice Gambit is an aggressive opening that involves sacrificing a pawn to launch a quick attack on the opponent's king.

Frequency: 0.04 %