C51intermediate

Evans Gambit

A romantic era gambit where White sacrifices the b-pawn for rapid development and a strong center. A favorite of Morphy and Kasparov.

40%
White wins
25%
Draw
35%
Black wins

Main Line Moves

1.e4e52.Nf3Nc63.Bc4Bc54.b4Bxb45.c3Ba56.d4exd47.O-Od68.cxd4Bb6

Key Ideas

  • 1Sacrifice a pawn for tempo and open lines
  • 2Rapid development gives White attacking chances
  • 3Control the center with d4 and e4
  • 4Aggressive play against the Black king

Variations

Accepted Main Line

e4e5Nf3Nc6Bc4Bc5b4Bxb4c3Ba5d4exd4O-ONge7

Black accepts and develops the knight to e7 for flexibility

Declined

e4e5Nf3Nc6Bc4Bc5b4Bb6a4a6d4

Black declines the gambit and retreats the bishop to b6

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Related Openings