Expert: Wuyanbu Zutali - 8/1/2008

Question
Recently my opponent and I played the usual moves. I was white. Play went 1. e4 e5 2. Bf1-c4 Ng8-f6 3. Ng1-f3 Nb8-c6 4. Nf3-g5 d5 5. e4xd5 Nf6xd5 6. Ng5xf7 Kxf7 7. Qd1-f3+ Kf7-e6 8. Nb1-c3 and that's where he played Nc6-d4 attacking my queen and threatening Nxc1+. I survived but felt like I was doing the tango with two left feet and couldn't get out of my own way. What I did was play BxNd5. Any suggestions for what I should have responded with?

Answer
Hello,

The Fried Liver can indeed toast unwary players.
I've been burned once by it over the years and it sent me to the MCO to find answers. After Ng5 you can play d5 and then if exd5, don't play Nxd5 but Na5 instead which leads to Bb5+ c6 etc...
But, the simpler way is after play h-6 immediately after Bc1 and it stops those quick strike ideas. It's better to lose a tempo than be under the gun.

I hope this helps!