Expert: Wuyanbu Zutali - 5/9/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi, what is your opinion of playing the Fried Liver Attack (1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Ng5 d5 5. exd5 ...) against players below 1500?

I read in a website (chesskids.com) that a lot of players below 1500 do not know about this 'trick' which can checkmate in 9 moves, and even if they know its all right as White still has a playable game, unlike those who try for Scholars Mate.

Is this true? And can you recommend any other opening that has a lot of 'traps' for the player below 1500?
ANSWER: Hello,

I agree. The Fried Liver is a great attacking system not just for players under 1500, even players rated 1900 can fall victim to its bites.

However, as I tell my students, don't play for "traps."  Good sound chess will get you all the "traps" you need to win. The Fried Liver is full of tactical surprises especially at the under 1500 level. If they do know lines against it, it still leads to a very playable game. Plus it's a fun attack once it's rolling.

I hope this helps!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi, thanks for answering!

I have another related question, i read somewhere that the Fried Liver Attack can be made even better for White by "throwing in d4 and 0-0" before sacrificing the Knight.

How does that work, and why is it better for White?

Thanks for your help!

Answer
Hello again,

After researching my MCO, it seems that "throwing in" d4 is a matter of style.
My MCO says " Tarrasch called Ng5 a beginner's move." White develops two pieces and tries to bust into Black's camp. A bad strategy according to him. But, great players from Steinitz to Fischer played the Fried Liver.
D4 is an aggressive and personally speaking, a sounder chess move that is more difficult to defend. If Black's e pawn takes the d4 pawn, white can push e-5 and start some nasty combinational ideas with long term effects.
If Black's knight takes the pawn, we really have a slugfest going on. I would prefer d-4 against stronger players and go with the crude Ng5 hop against weaker, under 1200 players. Keep in mind, the Fried Liver has claimed many good, but unsuspecting players.
Again, as so many ideas in chess, it depends on your style of play. If you are  the swashbuckling type, either d4 or Ng5 will give you a fighting game. I think higher rated players would play d4 because it has more sting and harder to defend.

I hope this helps a little more.