The Fried Liver Attack
In the Two Knights Defense one natural recapture lets White sacrifice a knight on f7 and drag Black's king into the open.
Knight to g5
This is the Two Knights Defense. White's knight jumps to g5, joining the bishop against f7. Black's best answer is pawn to d5, blocking the bishop's diagonal, and White takes the pawn.
The natural mistake
Taking back with the knight on d5 looks obvious, but it opens the way to a famous sacrifice. White's knight takes f7, attacking the queen and rook, and Black's king has to take it and come forward. White also has a quieter strong move here, pawn to d4, but the sacrifice is the one everyone remembers.
Chase the king
Your turn
You are a knight down, but Black's king is in the open. Keep the pressure on.
Show the answer
Queen to f3 check forces the king to e6 to keep guarding d5. Knight to c3 adds a third attacker to that knight, which is pinned to the king by your bishop.
If the king runs home
Your turn
Black ran back to e8 instead of protecting d5. Strike.
Show the answer
Bishop takes d5 wins the knight back with the bishop now aimed at f7 again. You are a pawn up, Black can no longer castle, and your attack is still going.
How Black stays safe
Black doesn't have to recapture at all. Knight to a5 attacks the bishop on c4. After bishop to b5 check, pawn to c6 and pawn takes c6, pawn takes c6, Black is a pawn down but develops fast and chases White's pieces. This is the reliable choice for Black.
If they don't fall for it
Your turn
Take the pawn on d5. If Black does not take back with the knight, find the right answer.
Show the answer
Black played the safe knight to a5. Check on b5, take on c6, and drop the bishop back to e2. You keep an extra pawn. Black gets quick development for it, so finish yours and castle.
Check yourself
Question
After White takes on d5, which move keeps Black out of trouble?
Show the answer
Knight to a5
Right. It attacks the bishop and keeps the king safe at home. Black gives up a pawn for quick development.
More in Openings
Opening principles
Claim the center, develop your pieces, castle, and keep the queen home until it is safe.
The London setup
d4, Bf4, e3, Nf3, c3, Bd3, Nbd2: one calm setup you can play against almost anything.
Legal's Mate
Give up your queen and checkmate with three minor pieces: the most famous fake pin in chess.