The Fried Liver Attack is an opening attack where White sacrifices a knight on f7 to pull the black king into the open. It arises after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.Ng5 d5 5.exd5 Nxd5.
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The black king ends up in the middle of the board with White's queen and bishop aimed at it. Black can survive with exact defence, so it is best avoided rather than met.
How to do it
- 1As Black, after 4.Ng5 d5 5.exd5, play 5...Na5 instead of 5...Nxd5.
- 2As White, only sacrifice on f7 if you know the follow-up with Qf3+ and Nc3.
For your level
After 4.Ng5 d5 5.exd5, do not take back with the knight. Play 5...Na5 and the attack is gone.
Common mistakes
- Taking back on d5 with the knight, which allows Nxf7.
- Sacrificing on f7 as White without knowing what comes after Qf3+.
Questions
- Is the Fried Liver Attack sound?
- After 5...Nxd5 White gets a strong attack for the knight. Black avoids it with 5...Na5, the main line, where White has no sacrifice.