Two Knights Defense: Lolli Attack (C57)

The Lolli Attack is a variation of the Two Knights Defense, catalogued as ECO C57. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Ng5 d5 5. exd5 Nxd5 6. d4, reaching the position shown below after 11 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on e5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move after six moves.

On the Two Knights Defense generally: Black counters 3.Bc4 with Nf6, challenging the e4 pawn immediately. Leads to sharp, tactical play especially after 4.Ng5.

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.

Two Knights Defense: Lolli Attack — position after d4 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Ng5 d5 5. exd5 Nxd5 6. d4

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4e5
2Nf3Nc6
3Bc4Nf6
4Ng5d5
5exd5Nxd5
6d4

ECO: C57

Stockfish: +0.72 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Two Knights Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Lolli Attack?

The Lolli Attack goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Ng5 d5 5. exd5 Nxd5 6. d4. It is a variation of the Two Knights Defense and is catalogued as ECO C57.

What is the ECO code for the Lolli Attack?

The Lolli Attack is ECO C57. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Two Knights Defense.

Is the Lolli Attack good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Ng5 d5 5. exd5 Nxd5 6. d4 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.

What kind of position does the Lolli Attack lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on e5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move.