The Two Knights Variation

The Two Knights variation of the Italian game is one of the most famous variations in all of chess. It’s been played for hundreds of years and it is still seen at all levels of chess. No matter the level of the players it leads to early and interesting attacks with chances for both players. In this analysis and video you will have the chance to pick and choose exactly which variations you’d like to go for and which ones to avoid. For players that play the Italian game with either color having an understanding of the Two Knights variation is an invaluable tool.

1610  the tercios from Spain and its allies roam trough Europe at full march. Meanwhile in Rome 2 great chess players, Gulio Cesare Polerio and Domenico play The two knights variation of the Italian game. They play the fried Liver attack one of the more aggressive lines of the two knights variation reminiscing of the optimism, romance and passion typical of the time.

The Fried Liver Attack in the Two Knights variation of the Ityalian has induced many headaches. It turns out you can trace its history all the way back to Rome, Italy in the year 1610 to this same game between Polerio and Domenico. We are going back 410 years and look at it’s deadly debut. The game is between two of the time periods best players, Polerio and Domenico. The game stands up remarkably well to the test of time. There were improvements for both players but it was still well played and shows many of the key ideas that players with both colors will want to know.