Chess opening · ECO C57
Italian Game: Two Knights Defense, Traxler Counterattack
The Italian Game: Two Knights Defense, Traxler Counterattack starts 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Ng5 Bc5. It ranks #151 of the 174 openings on this site by how often rated players on Lichess reach it.
Move by move
- 1. e4White pushes the e-pawn two squares to e4, staking a claim in the center.
- 1... e5Black pushes the e-pawn two squares to e5, staking a claim in the center.
- 2. Nf3White develops the kingside knight to f3.
- 2... Nc6Black develops the queenside knight to c6.
- 3. Bc4White develops the light-squared bishop to c4.
- 3... Nf6Black develops the kingside knight to f6.
- 4. Ng5White moves the knight from f3 to g5.
- 4... Bc5Black develops the dark-squared bishop to c5.
What players choose next, by rating
The three most common White moves from this position in rated Lichess games, grouped by the rating of the player making the move. Among players rated under 1200, the most popular next move is Nxf7; among players rated 2000 and up, it is Bxf7+.
| Rating | Most common | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1200 | Nxf7 100% | – | – |
| 1200–1399 | Nxf7 84% | Bxf7+ 16% | – |
| 1400–1599 | Nxf7 66% | Bxf7+ 28% | O-O 7% |
| 1600–1799 | Nxf7 56% | Bxf7+ 37% | O-O 6% |
| 1800–1999 | Bxf7+ 50% | Nxf7 42% | O-O 7% |
| 2000 and up | Bxf7+ 74% | Nxf7 26% | – |
Related openings
Practice it against a human-like opponent.
BeaconChess opponents open from these same books, then play human-like moves for their level while the coach explains your moves in plain English. The first coached game is free.
Play a free coached game →Played this opening recently?
Paste the game into the free analyzer to find the moves that cost you, with each mistake explained. Three analyses are free, with no email or card.
Analyze a game free →