Two Knights: Max Lange Attack

Two Knights: Max Lange Attack

Definition

The Max Lange Attack is an aggressive variation that can arise from either the Scotch Gambit or, more commonly, the Two Knights Defense of the Italian Game. After the initial moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. d4 exd4 5. O-O Bc5 6. e5, White sacrifices a pawn (and sometimes more) to open lines, accelerate piece activity, and attack the f7-square. The variation is named after the German master Max Lange (1832-1899), who analyzed and popularized the attack in the mid-19th century.

Typical Move Order

One of the main theoretical branches runs:

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. Bc4 Nf6 (Two Knights Defense)
4. d4 exd4
5. O-O Bc5
6. e5 d5
7. exf6 dxc4
8. Re1+ Be6
9. fxg7 Rg8
10. Bg5

After only ten moves, both sides have exposed kings and tactical fireworks dominate the play.

Strategic Themes

• Rapid Development. White often leads in development, aiming to use every tempo for initiative before Black can consolidate.
• King-Side Pressure. The f-file, open diagonals toward f7, and the g-line (after ...Rg8) become focal points of attack.
• Material vs. Initiative. White is usually a pawn down but counts on piece activity; Black seeks simplification and piece coordination.
• Central Tension. The pawn on e5 (or its absence) and the open d-file create tactical motifs such as forks, pins, and discovered attacks.

Historical Context

Max Lange was one of the leading theoreticians of the Romantic era, famous for sacrificial attacks and daring gambits. His analyses inspired late-19th-century masters such as Adolf Anderssen and Johannes Zukertort. Although modern engines show that precise defense gives Black equality, the Max Lange Attack remains a practical weapon, especially in rapid and club play where deep preparation is rarer.

Illustrative Game

Adolf Anderssen – Max Lange, Breslau 1859.
White sacrifices material but Black defends resourcefully and eventually prevails—a testament to the line’s double-edged nature.

Even today, many of the tactical motifs from this 160-year-old contest appear in modern practice.

Modern Status & Engine Evaluation

Computer analysis suggests that with best play Black can equalize or even gain the advantage; however, precise moves are difficult to find over the board. At amateur level, statistics show White scoring above 55 % in blitz and rapid time controls.

Practical Tips

• Memorize the critical line up to move 10; vague play there can be fatal.
• White should avoid premature queen sorties—use rooks and bishops first.
• Black players must know 6…d5 and the defensive maneuver …Be6 / …Rg8 to weather the storm.
• In OTB play, consider time-pressure: forcing complications early can pay dividends against unprepared opponents.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• The attack’s defining e5-thrust was once dubbed “the pistol shot,” because it triggers an immediate firefight.
• Former World Champion Emanuel Lasker recommended the line to beginners—“Study the Max Lange and you will learn more tactics in a week than in a month of endgames.”
• Many correspondence-chess specialists avoid the attack altogether, claiming that engines defend too accurately; yet in over-the-board chess it remains a feared surprise weapon.