ECO C57 · for White
Italian Game: Fried Liver Attack
The line below is what Lichess 1600-1800 players actually play: after the opening's defining moves, each move is the most common choice at that point. The notes are Chessbook's move notes, the same ones shown while building a repertoire.
773,866 games in this band reached the Fried Liver Attack position. From there White won 66% and drew 3%.
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Ng5 d5 5. exd5 Nxd5 6. Nxf7 Kxf7 7. Qf3+ Ke6 8. Nc3 Nb4 9. O-O c6 10. d4
Moves 1 to 2
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6
1. e4
"Best by test" according to Bobby Fisher.
1... e5
Black grabs an equal share of the center and scope to develop some pieces.
2. Nf3
The most natural move, developing the Knight with tempo
2... Nc6
Developing the knight to a natural square, preparing to castle kingside and supporting the e5 pawn.
Moves 3 to 4
3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Ng5 d5
3. Bc4
Targeting the weak f7 square, which is only defended by the king. This move also prepares to castle kingside.
3... Nf6
Attacking the e4 pawn and preparing for kingside castling. This move also allows for the possibility of d5, further challenging white's control of the center.
4. Ng5
Attacking the f7 pawn with both the bishop and knight.
4... d5
Relieving the pressure on the f7 pawn and attacking the bishop.
Moves 5 to 6
5. exd5 Nxd5 6. Nxf7 Kxf7
5. exd5
Capturing the pawn while threatening the knight on c6.
5... Nxd5
Recapturing the pawn while relieving the threat on the c6 knight.
6. Nxf7
Sacrificing the knight to bring out Black's king where it will be very vulnerable.
6... Kxf7
Accepting the sacrifice and bringing out the king. Black will aim to keep the extra piece and get the king to safety.
Moves 7 to 8
7. Qf3+ Ke6 8. Nc3 Nb4
7. Qf3+
Checking the king and putting more pressure on the d5 knight, forcing Black's king to defend it from e6.
7... Ke6
- 7... Ke8: Retreating the king away from the check and giving up the d5 knight for free.
8. Nc3
8... Nb4
Moves 9 to 10
9. O-O c6 10. d4
9. O-O
9... c6
10. d4
Plans for White in this position
What White usually does from here in Chessbook's games data. Hover a move to see it on the board.
- The pawn on d4 typically captures the pawn on e5
- The bishop on c4 or knight on c3 generally captures the knight on d5
- The pawn on b2 usually recaptures the knight on c3
- The kingside rook often develops to d1
- The queen on f3 often moves to e2
- A common pawn move is a3
Related opening guides
- Italian Game for White
- Queen's Gambit for White
- English Opening for White
- Bishop's Opening for White
- Philidor Defense for Black
- Zukertort Opening for White