The Max Lange attack has a reputation for being a big slug fest full of tactics and traps. Here are two of my innovations, both for the white side. One of them is no good, the other probably isn't either. Both are pretty fun and both are good for shock value at the club level. Mail me what you think.

Part one:

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. Bc4 Nf6
4. d4 ed
5. 0-0 Bc5
6. e5 d5
7. ef dc
8. Re1+ Be6
9. Ng5 Qd5
10. Nc3 Qf5
11. g4!? ...

This is the innovation. The book goes 11. Ne4 0-0-0. The only motivation here is to harass the black queen. Not much of a motivation, I know, but remember, this is not for tournament play.

11. ... Qg6

If 11. ... QxP then 12. Nd5 Qd8 13. RxB+ fe 14. NxP Qd7 15. Bh6! and it's over, Johnny.

12. NxB fe
13. RxP+ Kd7
14. f4!?

Now that's exciting chess. Obviously the rook is immune from capture because of the check, winning the queen. You get to make up the rest. There's alot of good stuff in there. Also for 13. ... Kf7 it's not hard to get a good attack. By the way, there is a clean refutation for this whole idea. I'm not telling, though!

Part two:

The first ten moves are the same as above.

11. Ne4 0-0-0
12. g4 Qe5
13. NgxB fe
14. Bg5 h6

The only move. So far this is well covered ground. See any book on the Max Lange/Two knights defense.

15. fg hg
16. gh Rxh8
17. Nxc5!? ...

This idea came out playing the above mentioned Mike Bruns. White essentially says, "OK then, mate me! (punk!)". If black takes the knight, then he's pretty much down the exchange for not much compensation (queen side pawns is about it). If black tries the desparado 17. ... Qxh2+, then he'll find himself down a rook, and the attack will peter out. Hopefully. In my blitz-only experience with this line, it's good for white. If anyone has any thoughts (other than you, Mike), please let me know.