ECO C57 · for Black
Italian Game: Two Knights Defense, Traxler Counterattack
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.
592,452 games in this band reached the Two Knights Defense, Traxler Counterattack position. From there Black won 49% and drew 3%.
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Ng5 Bc5 5. Nxf7 Bxf2+ 6. Kf1 Qe7 7. Nxh8 d5 8. exd5 Nd4 9. c3 Bg4 10. Qa4+ Nd7
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 Bc5
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... Bc5
Black develops and counters white's attack on f7 with an attack on the f2 pawn.
Moves 5 to 6
5. Nxf7 Bxf2+ 6. Kf1 Qe7
5. Nxf7
5... Bxf2+
6. Kf1
6... Qe7
Moves 7 to 8
7. Nxh8 d5 8. exd5 Nd4
7. Nxh8
7... d5
8. exd5
8... Nd4
Moves 9 to 10
9. c3 Bg4 10. Qa4+ Nd7
9. c3
9... Bg4
10. Qa4+
10... Nd7
Plans for Black in this position
What Black usually does from here in Chessbook's games data. Hover a move to see it on the board.
- Black typically castles queenside
- The queen on e7 often goes to f3, via f6
- The queen on e7 often moves to h4
- The bishop on g4 often moves to e2
- The queenside rook generally develops to f8
- The knight on d4 often moves to f3
Related opening guides
- Sicilian Defense for Black
- French Defense for Black
- Scandinavian Defense for Black
- Italian Game for White
- Caro-Kann Defense for Black
- Scandinavian Defense: Mieses-Kotroc Variation for Black