What type of play does black aim for in the Traxler? I know he wants to sacrifice his bishop on f4, but what is his followup?
Is the Traxler Variation Unsound?
Sort:
Yes and no. It is unsound in the sense that Black has some disadvantage (larger than the normal disadvantage against 1.e4) in the critical lines, and Black has theoretically better options against the Fried Liver.
It is sound in the sense that Black is not forcibly lost in any line. This has been studied thoroughly and while it may appear there are refutations to the Traxler superficially, Black ends up having sufficient resources in those lines to hold, and those variations can be sharp with all three outcomes possible.
5. Nf7 Bf2+ 6. Kxf2 Nxe4+ It can be risky , but i u play correctly and you oponent doesnt defend well , it can lead to a very offensive game and a win for black. It can also catch ur opponent by suprise ,as a bishop sacrifice can be unexpected
[COMMENT DELETED]
5.Nxf7 complicates unneccesarily the game.
5.Bxf7 Ke7 6.Bd5 just pick a free pawn and is a lot easier to play for white.
5.Bxf7 should be played but most people play Nxf7 as it looks more effective since the bishop sacrifice can be unexpected on f2. Maybe for blitz/bullet it is best to use , and risky in standard games.
Robert0905 asked:
Is this Sound or Unsound? PLease post variations to support your opinion.
There are no sound chess moves.
#campomanes
Jan 9, 2015
0
#13
3 good Video analyzes about the opening.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKsNX_c1KTw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8ZxDBemOXM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fFCGknqmlk
Its a good opening in blitz games as a big suprise. In standard time It can be very risky.
Better for White - but should be playable for Black...
Jan 9, 2015
0
#15
pfren wrote:
https://shop.chessbase.com/en/products/ris_a_black_repertoire_against_the_two_knights
Personally I wouldn't bother as Black- 4...d5 followed by 5...Na5 is perfectly good, so no need to enter this stupid mess of a variation.
Yes, and I don't play it (I don't even play 1..e5), but this thread is about the traxler, not about 4...d5
Jan 9, 2015
0
#16
This is what you wrote:Personally I wouldn't bother as Black- 4...d5 followed by 5...Na5 is perfectly good, so no need to enter this stupid mess of a variation.
That's Off Topic.
I never understood why people play the Traxler.
5.Bf7! Ke7 6.Bb3 is a clear advantage for white, and small theory
5.Nf7 is maybe even better, but White must know the theory
5.d4 even this should give White an advantage
If White follows concrete lines, the statistics are very bad for black.
Is this Sound or Unsound? PLease post variations to support your opinion.