Evans Gambit Accepted
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4 4...Bxb4 5.c3 Ba5 6.d4
The main line. White plays c3+d4 to build a big center. Black's retreat ...Ba5 maintains a slight lead in development but White has massive central control.
For White· ECO C51–C52· intermediate
Evans-Gambit
Das italienische Gambit der romantischen Tradition: Bauernopfer auf b4 für rasante Entwicklung.
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4
What is the Evans-Gambit?
Das Evans-Gambit (1.e4 e5 2.Sf3 Sc6 3.Lc4 Lc5 4.b4) entspringt der Italienischen. Weiß opfert den b4-Bauern, um den schwarzen Läufer von c5 wegzulocken und mit c3 und d4 Tempo zu gewinnen. Nach 4...Lxb4 5.c3 La5 6.d4 erhält Weiß ein überwältigendes Zentrum für den Bauern. Meisterhaft im 19. Jahrhundert gespielt (Morphy, Anderssen), von Steinitz verdrängt und Ende der 90er von Kasparow wiederbelebt. Bleibt im Klubschach eine gefürchtete Überraschungswaffe, wenig gespielt, kaum vorbereitet.
Main variations
Each variation below comes with a diagram and the main plan. Click "Train this opening" to drill every line with spaced repetition.
Evans Gambit Declined
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4 4...Bb6
Black refuses the gambit. After 5.a4 a6 6.Nc3, White maintains pressure but without the central dominance of the accepted lines.
Anderssen Variation
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4 4...Bxb4 5.c3 Ba5 6.d4 exd4 7.O-O d6
Black plays a solid setup with ...d6...Nf6, and eventually ...O-O. White plays for the attack with Qb3, Bxf7+ tactics, and rook lifts.
How deep should you study this?
Below 1600
The Evans Gambit scores very well at club level. Study the 5.c3 Ba5 6.d4 main line and the typical Qb3+Bxf7 attacking patterns.
1600–2000
Learn the Evans Gambit Declined (4...Bb6) in case opponents avoid the gambit. Also study Kasparov's Evans Gambit games.
2000+
Add the Lasker Defense 7...d6 8.cxd4 Bb6, considered Black's best according to modern theory. White retains practical chances but no objective advantage.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Evans Gambit sound?
The Evans Gambit is close to equal with best play, but White has strong practical chances. At club level, it scores well because most Black players don't know the precise defensive moves. Kasparov revived it at the top level with great success.
Should Black accept the Evans Gambit?
Yes, accepting with 4...Bxb4 is correct. Declining with 4...Bb6 gives White good pressure without the tempo compensation. If you accept, play 5...Ba5 and be ready for the d4 break.
What's the best defense for Black?
After 4...Bxb4 5.c3 Ba5 6.d4 exd4 7.O-O, Black's most accurate is 7...d6 (Anderssen Variation) or 7...Nge7. Avoid 7...dxc3? which gives White a huge lead in development.
Does the Evans Gambit work at the top level?
Kasparov used it successfully in the 1990s. Modern top players sometimes play it in rapid/blitz (Nakamura, Nepomniachtchi). In classical games it's rare because modern defenses are well-known, but it's not refuted.
Is the Evans Gambit good for beginners?
Excellent for beginners once they're comfortable with the Italian Game. The attacking ideas (d4 break, Bxf7+ sacrifices, open files) are instructive and win a lot of games at lower levels.
Related openings
For White
Italienische Partie
Die klassische Eröffnung 1.e4 e5 2.Sf3 Sc6 3.Lc4: solide Prinzipien, reiche Taktik.
For White
Fegatello-Angriff
Der berühmteste taktische Angriff der Italienischen: Springeropfer, um den König ins Zentrum zu jagen.
For White
Königsgambit
Die romantische Eröffnung schlechthin: Bauernopfer für offenes Zentrum und sofortigen Angriff.
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