yes
Is the Traxler Variation Unsound?
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No. The traxler isn't unsound. It's very agressive but not unsound. White sets up to attack f7, so black sets up to attack f2. That characterises the opening.
May 13, 2015
0
#105
Correct, but black sacrifices an exchange. That casts doubts on the soundness of the opening.
That sacrifice enables a strong initiative. Granted, if white plays well, it's questionable and it seems that 4...d5 is the "sane move" in response to Ng5. But "insanity" also lies in Ng5. The move 4.Ng5 is also questionable. Therefore, the Traxler is an equally "questionable" and equally "agressive" response to Ng5.
"4.Ng5 Bc4 5.Nxf7 Bxf2+ 6.Kxf2 Nxe4+ 7.Kg1 Qh4" - The position is equal, despite a bishop sac - black gets 2 pawns and the initiative.
I made a small blogpost about a game with this opening. Doesn't prove anything on the (un)sound aspect, but it demonstrates that it's a fun opening where White can quickly get into trouble if he isn't careful.