Classical Variation, Greco Gambit, Moeller-Therkatz Attack

The Moeller-Therkatz Attack, also known as the Møller Attack, meets 8...Bxc3 with 9. d5 instead of recapturing on c3. The pawn hits the c6-knight, and the open e-file is aimed at the knight on e4. For now Black is a piece and a pawn up. The line was popular around 1900 but is now considered refuted, and the engine gives Black a slight edge. The usual reply is 9...Bf6, which scores well for Black. 9...Ne5 and 9...Ne7 are also played.