Hi, I would like to show a game I played in the Traxler Gambit. I think it's very sharp! What do you think of this opening? Is it perhaps even better than 4...d5? Please leave your thoughts.

You can find out everything you want to know about the Traxler Counterattack in the Traxler Analysis Group.  Join and Contribute!

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The only problem with the Traxler Counterattack is that it is drawish in many lines if your opponent can make it through the complications.  4...d5 is much simpler and is a lot less drawish.  If you do study the Traxler enough, it can be a valuable weapon.

Personally, I get the feeling that black should be fine against 5.Bxf7+ and white should be better with 5.Nxf7.  The difference between the lines is that black has to prove compensation for a pawn rather than for a rook.  In general, black seems to have an easier game after 5.Bxf7+.

On move 11, can't White just trade everything?

I don't know how you can say that, every time you have a line I provide a response that leaves White considerably better.

I suppose I haven't looked for a while, I'll have to get back to refuting your claims of equality with various moves ;)

I knew it was only matter of time before I can get you back to work ;)

I think I have covered my bases this time.  Currently I am working on the 8.Nc3 variation to make it playable for black.  I had one line worked out, but I need to make sure I have all lines covered.

What if

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.Ng5 Bc5 5.Nxf7 Bxf2+ 6.Kf1 Qe7 7.Nxh8 d5 8.exd5 Nd4 and black equalizes in all variations.

I love Traxler Gambit. I played this game. I don;t know what to do after this.

Qh4 tends to lead to good positions for Black

yea Qh4, not good enough to continue attack or regain piece. Better work on this particular variation, or avoid it.

Ih8sens used to play it and study it all the time. I think he found a refution