Evans Gambit
White throws in a b-pawn to gain time for c3 and d4, turning a quiet Italian into a fast attack.
| First moves | 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4 |
|---|---|
| ECO codes | C51-C52 |
| Character | Gambit, fast development, central attack |
| Best for | Italian players who want the initiative from move four |
Open any line on the analysis board, or play it out against a bot from where it ends.
Related openings
Italian Game
The classical way to open a chess game: develop, aim at f7, castle. The best first opening for most players.
Fried Liver Attack
A knight sacrifice on f7 that drags the black king into the middle of the board. The most famous trap in the Italian Game.
King's Gambit
The romantic opening. White offers a pawn on move two to tear open the f-file and race for the black king.
Why give up the b-pawn
In the quiet Italian, White wants c3 and d4 but loses time playing them. In the Evans, 4.b4 Bxb4 5.c3 gains c3 with tempo on the bishop, and d4 follows next. White gets a strong center and open lines for the pieces, often aimed straight at f7.
It was Morphy's favorite, and Kasparov used it to beat Anand in 1995, showing that it still has teeth.
The main lines
- 5...Ba5. The main line: the bishop keeps pinning c3 against e1. White plays d4 and O-O, often gives up a second pawn, and attacks.
- 5...Be7. More modest and safer: Black gives back central control but keeps the king out of trouble.
- Declining with 4...Bb6. Sound and simple: White has b4 for free, and the game becomes a normal Italian with extra queenside space for White.
A common practical approach for Black is to accept and give the pawn back early with ...d6 and ...Bb6, reaching an equal game with fewer risks.
Playing it as White
Follow 5.c3 with d4 and O-O, and bring the queen to b3 when f7 and b7 are both loose. Speed matters more than the pawns: if Black gets time to castle and consolidate, the attack runs out.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Evans Gambit sound?
Yes. It is not a refuted gambit: Black can equalize with accurate play, but White gets genuine attacking chances in return for the pawn.
Should I accept the Evans Gambit?
Accepting is the most testing reply, and 5...Ba5 is the main line. If you want a quieter game, 4...Bb6 declines it safely.
How do I play the Evans Gambit as White?
After 4...Bxb4 5.c3, play d4 and O-O quickly, and look for Qb3 to hit f7 and b7 at once. Use the time the gambit buys you before Black castles.