Two Knights Main Line
Black's most principled response to White's aggressive 4.Ng5. By attacking the bishop, Black avoids the Fried Liver Attack and gets excellent compensation for the sacrificed pawn. This is the modern main line of the Two Knights Defense.
ECO Code
C58-C59
Difficulty
Intermediate/Advanced
Style
Dynamic/Counterplay
Key Players
Aronian, Giri, Rapport, Morozevich
Why 5...Na5 is Correct
- Avoids Fried Liver: Black escapes the dangerous knight sacrifice on f7
- Attacks the bishop: Forces White to make a decision about the c4 bishop
- Rapid development: Black will quickly mobilize the kingside pieces
- Dynamic compensation: Activity compensates for the sacrificed pawn
- Proven theory: Modern analysis shows Black gets full compensation
White's Main Continuations
Italian Retreat
White retreats the bishop and accepts doubled pawns. Black gets rapid development and strong compensation.
Modern Line
White centralizes the bishop. Black advances in the center with excellent piece coordination.
Aggressive Try
White sacrifices another pawn for development. Black must play accurately but gets a good position.
Black's Compensation
Despite being a pawn down, Black has excellent compensation in the form of:
- Rapid development and piece activity
- Strong central pawns and space
- White's awkwardly placed pieces
- Long-term pressure on White's structure
The Modern Bd5 Line
This has become the most critical line. White keeps the extra pawn but Black gets excellent piece coordination and central control.
Black's Strategic Ideas
- Central dominance: The e4 pawn controls key squares
- Piece activity: Rapid development with ...Bd6, ...0-0
- King safety: Castle quickly while maintaining pressure
- Dynamic equality: Activity compensates for material deficit
- Long-term prospects: Often better in the endgame due to pawn structure
Critical Theoretical Line
The most testing continuation. Black has given up the strong e4 pawn but gets excellent piece coordination. Modern analysis suggests Black is doing fine.
Key Points for Black
Castle quickly: King safety is crucial in these sharp positions.
Activate pieces: Every piece should contribute to the counterplay.
Central control: Maintain the e4 pawn as long as possible.
Typical Plans
For Black
- Quick development: ...Bd6, ...0-0, ...Re8
- Central pressure: Maintain the e4 pawn advance
- Piece coordination: Harmonious piece placement
- Pawn structure: Create weaknesses in White's camp
- Endgame advantages: Better structure in simplified positions
For White
- Material advantage: Try to hold the extra pawn
- Simplification: Trade pieces to reduce Black's activity
- King safety: Castle and consolidate the position
- Central control: Challenge Black's e4 pawn
- Development: Complete development while staying alert
Famous Games
Aronian vs. Anand (2013): Levon Aronian shows how Black can get excellent compensation in the main line.
Giri vs. Carlsen (2020): A recent top-level example demonstrating the current theoretical status.
Assessment
Modern theory considers this line to give Black full compensation for the pawn. The key is understanding the typical piece configurations and plans rather than memorizing long variations. Black's active pieces and central control provide enough dynamic value to offset the material deficit.
Alternative Defenses
Master the Main Line
The most principled way to meet the Two Knights Attack - dynamic compensation over material safety!
Back to Two Knights Defense Avoid the Fried Liver