The Two Knights Defense, Traxler Counterattack, King March 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. Nxf7 Bxf2+ 6. Kxf2 Nxe4+ 7. Ke3, reaching the position shown below after 13 half-moves.
Black holds the centre with pawns on e5. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and White is up two points of material. It is Black to move after seven moves. White has the bishop pair; the f-file file is fully open.
On the Italian Game generally: A classical opening focusing on rapid development and control of the center with pieces.
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The Two Knights Defense, Traxler Counterattack, King March Line goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Ng5 Bc5 5. Nxf7 Bxf2+ 6. Kxf2 Nxe4+ 7. Ke3. It is a variation of the Italian Game and is catalogued as ECO C57.
The Two Knights Defense, Traxler Counterattack, King March Line is ECO C57. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Italian Game.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Ng5 Bc5 5. Nxf7 Bxf2+ 6. Kxf2 Nxe4+ 7. Ke3 at -0.63 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for Black. 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.
Black holds the centre with pawns on e5. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and White is up two points of material. It is Black to move. White has the bishop pair; the f-file file is fully open.