The Two Knights and the Fried Liver

3...♘f6 4.♘g5

In this lesson you will learn

The sharp 4.♘g5 attack on f7
The correct defence 4...d5 and 5...♘a5
The Fried Liver attack and why 5...♘xd5 is risky
The calm alternative 4.d3

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3.1 Attacking f7

After 3...♘f6 Black attacks the e4-pawn. White can attack f7 at once with 4.♘g5: knight and bishop both aim at it. Black must react precisely.

Diagram 3.1White to move

The right defence

Black blocks the bishop with ...d5 and, after exd5, does not take back with the knight.

Black gives a pawn but chases the white pieces and gains fast development. This is the main line and is considered fully playable for Black.

Diagram 3.2White to move

The Fried Liver Attack

Black takes back on d5 with the knight — a natural move that walks into a famous attack.

White sacrifices the knight on f7 and drags the black king into the centre, where it is attacked by queen, knight and bishop. Black can survive with perfect defence, but in practice it is very dangerous — beginners should avoid 5...♘xd5.

Remember

4.♘g5 attacks f7.
Defend with 4...d5 and 5...♘a5.
Avoid 5...♘xd5 (the Fried Liver).
White can also play the calm 4.d3.

Exercises · Lesson 3

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Exercise 3.1Find the move

Black to move

Black to move. White attacks f7 twice. Find the best defence.

Exercise 3.2Find the move

Black to move

Black to move. Avoid the Fried Liver.

Exercise 3.3Find the move

White to move