Karpov Variation, Tiviakov-Fischer Attack

The Tiviakov-Fischer Attack arises when White, after 5. Bc4 Ngf6, exchanges knights with 6. Nxf6+ Nxf6 rather than entering the Smyslov Variation with 6. Ng5. White keeps the bishop on the a2–g8 diagonal and develops quietly, most often with 7. Nf3. 7. c3 supports d4, and 7. Bg5 targets the f6-knight. Black keeps an intact structure and free development. Engines rate the position as roughly balanced, and results are close to even.