The Terrible Traxler Pt 3

The Terrible Traxler Part 3

by NM Steve Colding

The Terrible Traxler

The Terrible Traxler pt 2

     I would like to thank all my readers for their wonderful response to the articles. You guys and gals keep me on my toes and I consider these articles a collaborative effort in which we can all learn and grow in our chess-playing abilities. Kee those comments coming and I will respond to all of your questions. Hey. this what I do!

     Consider this position after the move: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.Ng5 Bc5 5.Nf7 Bxf2+ 6.Kxf2 Nxe4+

     White has several moves:

1.  7.Ke1- which we looked at in the previous article
2.  7.Kf1- which we will discuss today
3.  7.Ke2
4.  7.Kf3
5.  7.Ke3- second best move
6.  7.Kg1- the best move

      Theory of the Traxler

     Let's talk about the theory of the Traxler. It is based on sound thinking. White has spent 2 tempos to attack Black's f7 square and Black perfers to use those tempo to bring out  pieces believing that the 2 tempos White spends ( 1 to move the Knight and anothe to take at f7) is too costly and results in an attack at f2 for White. That is the argument and it is far fom settled.

     Position of the day 7.Kf1

     See the diagram below:

     Here we have the position of our article. 7.Kf1 has very little written about it but nonetherless it is not a very difficult move to navigate. It can be a little complicated for the uninitiated but once you know it it is pretty easy. Follow the game below commit it too memory and woe be unto he who tries 7.Kf1 on you!

     The one thing about 7. Kf1 is it is fun to play ...for Black! It could hardly be recommended for White.