The Two Knights Defense, Traxler Counterattack, Knight 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. Nxf7, 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.
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The Two Knights Defense, Traxler Counterattack, Knight Sacrifice Line goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Ng5 Bc5 5. Nxf7. It is a variation of the Italian Game and is catalogued as ECO C57.
The Two Knights Defense, Traxler Counterattack, Knight Sacrifice 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 at +0.72 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.
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.