The Terrible Traxler

The Terrible Traxler

                      Part 1

by NM Steve Colding

     The Traxler Counter-Attack in the Two Knights Defense remains today one of chess's most controversial openings.It is not unusal for other players to call Traxler players swindlers, con artist and thieves. The fact that on e plays the Traxler does suggest a certain amount of larceny on the Black players part but hey if White does not study he definately will deserve what he gets.

     The Traxler or Wilks-Barre Opening is named after Karel Traxler who was the first to play it seriously. He introduced the Opening in a game against a player named Renisch in Prague 1896. When one sees this game one realises  the triumph of human creativty. This game was pre-computer days people and its power stands as a true masterpiece.

     Traxler was a Catholic priest so he didn't have much chance to play in tournaments but we can forgive him that because of this little gem.

Next Time: The Beginner's Trap in the Traxler.