Countering the Fried Liver Attack - The Ulvestad Variation in Chess

Learn a powerful counter-strategy against a notorious chess opening in this 18-minute video lesson where Grandmaster Igor Smirnov demonstrates the Ulvestad Variation - a highly effective response with a remarkable 58-84% win rate for Black. Master the precise sequence of moves starting with 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.Ng5 d5 5.exd5 b5, exploring multiple lines including responses to 6.Bxb5, 6.dxc6, and 6.Bf1. Discover the deadly traps, attacking opportunities, and devastating kingside checkmating threats that make this variation so successful, as evidenced by Magnus Carlsen's recent victory against Gukesh. Through detailed analysis of various scenarios and a practical puzzle, gain comprehensive understanding of key defensive strategies including preventing Qxg2 mate and handling early Qe2 attacks.