The main line at master level. Black retreats the knight to a5, avoiding the Fried Liver and preparing to win back the pawn.
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.Ng5 d5 5.exd5 - See Fried Liver introduction.
5...Na5! - The Polerio Defense! Named after the 16th-century Italian chess analyst Giulio Cesare Polerio. This is considered the strongest response at master level and is overwhelmingly the most popular choice.
Instead of the risky 5...Nxd5 (Fried Liver), Black retreats the knight to a5 where it eyes the c4 bishop. Black intends to win back the d5 pawn with ...c6 or ...e6.
Lichess Masters statistics: White 890 / Draw 1,295 / Black 673 (83% of all games after 5.exd5!)
6.Bb5+ - The main line. White checks the king, forcing Black to block and gaining time.
6...c6 - Black blocks the check. The only good move — 6...Bd7?? 7.Bxd7+ Qxd7 loses the bishop pair for nothing.
7.dxc6 - White takes the pawn. The critical continuation.
7...bxc6 - Black recaptures, completing the Polerio Defense setup. Black has a doubled c-pawn but active piece play and the bishop pair.
White's plans: Use the slightly better pawn structure. Play d4 to open the center. Develop with Bf4 or Be3 and aim for a small but lasting advantage.
Black's plans: Use the bishop pair actively. Play ...Be6 or ...Bg4 to challenge White's pieces. Castle and look for ...c5 or ...e5 breaks.
The Polerio Defense is the strongest response for Black after 5.exd5 and is the choice of most grandmasters. Black gets active piece play for the pawn, and while White has a small edge, the position is very playable for both sides.
Watch the moves to understand the opening sequence. Use the controls to replay or auto-play the variation.