ECO code: C57
Italian Game: Two Knights Defense, Traxler Counterattack, King March Line
This line arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Ng5 Bc5 5. Nxf7 Bxf2+ 6. Kxf2 Nxe4+ 7. Ke3. It is a highly tactical and aggressive variation of the Two Knights Defense, featuring Black’s daring Traxler Counterattack.
Characteristic of the move 7. Ke3: Instead of retreating the king to safety, White boldly marches the king forward to e3 to maintain pressure and avoid immediate threats. This king maneuver is unusual and shows White’s willingness to enter a sharp and complicated middlegame.
Attacking or defensive: Black initiates this line with an aggressive counterattack aiming to exploit the weaknesses around White’s king. White, despite the exposed king, seeks counterplay and attacking chances by keeping the center and key squares under control. Overall, this line is highly attacking for both sides, with dynamic chances and tactical possibilities.
Center control: The opening does involve fighting for control of the center. Black’s early ...e5 and ...Nc6 moves stake a claim in the center, while White’s e4 and piece activity support central influence. The ensuing tactical melee makes central control fluid, but it remains a critical element for both sides.
This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Italian Game: Two Knights Defense, Traxler Counterattack, King March Line, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 3 - Move #10 white