It's not that hard: the Anti Fried-Liver

      Lots of beginners have been crushed by the fried liver, practically losing in a few moves. If that's you, you can learn to crush it instead with this simple guide.

Lets Begin!

Step 1: The right continuations

If your opponent starts with 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.Ng5!?, as shown below, you should not respond with 4...h6?? as it leads to 5.Nxf7!, forking your Queen and Rook.

So, instead of blundering your piece, you can strike back into the center with 4...d5!. Even though this may seem like sacrificing a pawn, but you will get sufficient counterplay with it, as you will see.

Now, this may seem advanced, but let us break it down, step by step:

2. Don't play Nxd5!

Now, after 4..d5!, your opponent will take. You can use this as white, too, but if you take with 5...Nxd5?, you will be in trouble. Your opponent can sack their knight with 6.Nxf7!!, as shown:

As you can see, the follow-up 7.Qf3+! will snatch the knight back, and after 7...Ke6, the only way to stay in the game, 8.Nc3! still gets the knight. With your king open, and your opponent up a pawn, it's not likely you will win.(But we never know.)

3. Is there a right continuation?

Yes, there is! The key is not to take. After 5.exd5, you should play 5...Na5!? to continue. The follow-up is then 6.Bb5+ c6! 7.dxc6 bxc6 8.Be2 h6! 9.Nf3 e4! 10.Ne5 Bd6 11.d4!. As shown below, white is lagging behind a lot in development. This is the main line, and is how to get an even game.

Feel free to expand on this line with the amazing chess.com analysis section! Lines like 8.Bd3 are worth checking.

Is there a way to get even more, though?

4. Counterattack!

Maybe you want a bit more? Well, I've got that fixed! The next line will really inspire your counterattacking nerves!

Instead of 5...Na5, you can strike back with...

5...b5! Did you see that?

Now, it may seem a tad complicated, but here is why this move is safe. Even Stockfish confirms it, so you know it's a no-risk line. It's quite some variations, but mostly by just looking at the position, a basic player who does not blunder pieces automatically will figure them out.

Here's the board if you need it: 

Again, remember to check engine lines or ask your coach to expand your knowledge.

5. Start playing! 

This can be a vital lesson, as you may notice the fried liver is not played much at grandmaster level. It's easy to refute, and I hope this will help you.

Feel free to ask any questions, post any "bug fixes", or leave helpful comments! I'm here to help y'all play chess

Thank you for reading!