What is the move order of the Lolli Attack?

The defining sequence is 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.Ng5 d5 5.exd5 Nxd5 6.d4!. The sixth move, 6.d4, distinguishes the Lolli Attack from the immediate Fried Liver Attack with 6.Nxf7.

Why does White play 6.d4 in the Lolli Attack?

White uses 6.d4 to open the center before sacrificing on f7. This challenges Black’s central knight and gives White attacking chances against the king while preserving the option to castle and activate the rook.

Is the Lolli Attack the same as the Fried Liver Attack?

No. Both arise after 4.Ng5 d5 5.exd5 Nxd5, but the Fried Liver begins with 6.Nxf7, while the Lolli Attack is defined by 6.d4! and delays the f7 sacrifice.

How should White continue after 6...exd4 in the Lolli Attack?

White commonly develops the attack with castling, Qf3, or Nxf7 depending on Black’s setup. The key idea is to exploit the opened center and the vulnerable d5-knight while preparing Qf3+ and pressure against the exposed king.

Lolli Attack (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 / 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.Ng5) Chess Puzzles

Most common moves: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 / 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.Ng5 / 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.Ng5 d5 / 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d4 / 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d4 exd4.

The Lolli Attack is an aggressive Italian Game, Two Knights Defense variation beginning 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.Ng5 d5 5.exd5 Nxd5 6.d4!. White delays the immediate Fried Liver sacrifice on f7 and instead opens the center, often preparing Nxf7, Qf3+, and rapid kingside castling.

Spot the Lolli Attack when Black has recaptured on d5 with the knight and White answers with 6.d4, challenging the center and creating attacking lines. After ...exd4, ...Be7, or ...Bb4+, look for Nxf7 followed by Qf3+; White’s compensation comes from the exposed king, pressure on the d5-knight, and the rook joining through the e-file after castling.

Win rate for White in rapid games, among players who reached this opening, by rating band.
Chess.com Elo	Lolli Attack	All White games	Italian GameEvans Gambit Accepted	Italian GameBirds Attack	Italian GameGiuoco Pianissimo
750–1000	53.1%	50.3%	50.9%	51.5%	48.8%
1000–1250	52.6%	50.0%	50.9%	51.1%	47.6%
1250–1500	51.4%	49.8%	51.1%	50.7%	46.8%
1500–1750	49.3%	49.4%	50.9%	50.1%	46.2%
1750–2000	47.2%	48.7%	50.1%	49.1%	46.5%

See methodology

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Frequently Asked Questions: lolli attack

What is the move order of the Lolli Attack?: The defining sequence is 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.Ng5 d5 5.exd5 Nxd5 6.d4!. The sixth move, 6.d4, distinguishes the Lolli Attack from the immediate Fried Liver Attack with 6.Nxf7.
Why does White play 6.d4 in the Lolli Attack?: White uses 6.d4 to open the center before sacrificing on f7. This challenges Black’s central knight and gives White attacking chances against the king while preserving the option to castle and activate the rook.
Is the Lolli Attack the same as the Fried Liver Attack?: No. Both arise after 4.Ng5 d5 5.exd5 Nxd5, but the Fried Liver begins with 6.Nxf7, while the Lolli Attack is defined by 6.d4! and delays the f7 sacrifice.
How should White continue after 6...exd4 in the Lolli Attack?: White commonly develops the attack with castling, Qf3, or Nxf7 depending on Black’s setup. The key idea is to exploit the opened center and the vulnerable d5-knight while preparing Qf3+ and pressure against the exposed king.