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
Gambito Evans
El gambito italiano de la tradición romántica: sacrificio del peón de b4 para un desarrollo fulgurante.
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4
What is the Gambito Evans?
El Gambito Evans (1.e4 e5 2.Cf3 Cc6 3.Ac4 Ac5 4.b4) surge de la Italiana. Las blancas sacrifican el peón de b4 para desviar el alfil negro de c5 y ganar tempo con c3 y d4. Tras 4...Axb4 5.c3 Aa5 6.d4, las blancas obtienen un centro abrumador a cambio del peón. Magistral en el siglo XIX (Morphy, Anderssen), relegado por Steinitz y después resucitado por Kasparov en los años 90. Sigue siendo un arma sorpresa temible al nivel de club: poco jugada, poco preparada.
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
Apertura Italiana
La apertura clásica 1.e4 e5 2.Cf3 Cc6 3.Ac4: principios sólidos, tácticas ricas.
For White
Ataque Fegatello
El ataque táctico más famoso de la Italiana: sacrifica un caballo para atrapar al rey en el centro.
For White
Gambito de Rey
La apertura romántica por excelencia: sacrificio de un peón por un centro abierto y ataque inmediato.
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