Italian Game: Two Knights Defense, Traxler Counterattack, Bishop Sacrifice Line (C57)

The Two Knights Defense, Traxler Counterattack, Bishop Sacrifice Line is a variation of the Italian Game, catalogued as ECO C57. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Ng5 Bc5 5. Bxf7+, reaching the position shown below after 9 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on e5). Development is level at two minor pieces each, and White is up a pawn of material. It is Black to move after five moves.

On the Italian Game generally: A classical opening focusing on rapid development and control of the center with pieces.

You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.

Italian Game: Two Knights Defense, Traxler Counterattack, Bishop Sacrifice Line — position after Bxf7+ a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Ng5 Bc5 5. Bxf7+

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4e5
2Nf3Nc6
3Bc4Nf6
4Ng5Bc5
5Bxf7+

ECO: C57

Stockfish: +0.96 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Italian Game lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Two Knights Defense, Traxler Counterattack, Bishop Sacrifice Line?

The Two Knights Defense, Traxler Counterattack, Bishop Sacrifice Line goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Ng5 Bc5 5. Bxf7+. It is a variation of the Italian Game and is catalogued as ECO C57.

What is the ECO code for the Two Knights Defense, Traxler Counterattack, Bishop Sacrifice Line?

The Two Knights Defense, Traxler Counterattack, Bishop Sacrifice Line is ECO C57. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Italian Game.

Is the Two Knights Defense, Traxler Counterattack, Bishop Sacrifice Line good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Ng5 Bc5 5. Bxf7+ at +0.96 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for White. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the Two Knights Defense, Traxler Counterattack, Bishop Sacrifice Line lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on e5). Development is level at two minor pieces each, and White is up a pawn of material. It is Black to move.