Lolli Attack

Lolli Attack

Definition

The Lolli Attack (sometimes called the Lolli Variation) is a sharp attacking line of the Two Knights Defence in the Italian Game. It arises after Black carelessly recaptures on d5 with the knight, allowing White to seize the initiative by opening the centre with 6.d4.

Typical Move Order

The canonical sequence is:

1. 1. e4 e5
2. 2. Nf3 Nc6
3. 3. Bc4 Nf6
4. 4. Ng5 d5
5. 5. exd5 Nxd5?  (Black’s critical error)
6. 6. d4!  (Lolli Attack)

Modern theory considers 5…Na5 or 5…Nd4 the only safe replies; taking on d5 with the knight leads directly into White’s prepared pawn break 6.d4, unleashing tactical fireworks.

Strategic & Tactical Ideas

• Central pawn wedge: The thrust 6.d4 explodes the centre while Black’s king is still in the middle. Lines open for White’s bishops and queen, creating threats of discovered checks and mating nets.
• Piece sacrifice themes: Motifs such as Nxf7, Bxd5, or Qf3+ often appear, luring the black king into the open (similar to the better-known Fried Liver Attack but with an extra pawn in the centre).
• Rapid development: White typically castles kingside (sometimes even queenside) and brings rooks to the e- and d-files before Black can coordinate defensively.
• Black’s counter-play: If Black survives the opening assault, the extra pawn may tell in an end-game, so precision is required from White to keep the initiative alive.

Historical Notes

The variation is named after the 18th-century Italian master Giovanni Battista Lolli (1698-1769), author of the influential treatise Osservazioni teorico-pratiche sopra il giuoco degli scacchi (1763). Lolli catalogued numerous sacrificial ideas in open games, many of which foreshadowed modern tactical themes.

During the romantic era the line was a favourite of attacking players such as Adolf Anderssen and Paul Morphy, who used it to punish opponents that strayed from best defensive practice in the Italian.

Illustrative Line

The following model variation shows typical attacking ideas; material sacrifices lead to a dangerous initiative against Black’s king:

Notable Games

• Anderssen – Mayet, Berlin 1851 – A classic demonstration of the Lolli where multiple piece sacrifices culminate in mate on the board.
• Karpov – Unzicker, Nice Olympiad 1974 – Karpov used a modernised move-order to reach Lolli-type positions, showing that even positional players keep the line in their arsenal.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• The Lolli and the Fried Liver are often confused. In many databases, 6.Nxf7 is labelled “Fried Liver” while 6.d4 is “Lolli”; older sources reversed the names! Always check the actual moves rather than relying solely on terminology.
• Engines evaluate 5…Nxd5? with best defence as near lost for Black (−2 to −3 pawns in depth-40 Stockfish analysis), proving that the romantic masters were on to something long before silicon.
• In blitz and rapid play the Lolli remains a notorious “rating-buster”; one careless recapture and the initiative can snowball into a miniature victory.

Practical Tips for the Tournament Player

• If you play 1.e4 with White, memorise only the first six moves; after 6.d4 rely on general attacking principles—bring all pieces, keep lines open, and don’t fear temporary material investments.
• As Black, remember the rule of thumb: “Never take back on d5 with the knight!” Choose 5…Na5 (main line) or 5…Nd4 instead.
• Study modern GM games in the Anti-Fried Liver frameworks; many transpose into Lolli structures, providing fresh theoretical ideas.