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
Kasparov's revived gambit. Sacrifice a pawn for development and a crushing center.
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4
What is the Evans Gambit?
The Evans Gambit (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4) is one of the most aggressive Italian Game variations. White sacrifices the b-pawn to gain crucial tempo (attacking the Bc5 bishop) and build a strong center with c3+d4. Captain William Davies Evans introduced it in 1827, and Kasparov revived it at the top level in the 1990s, using it to beat Anand and others. At club level it's devastating, most opponents don't know the defensive moves, and White typically gets a massive attack for the pawn.
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
Italian Game
The fastest-developing 1.e4 opening. Aim the bishop at f7 and play for the attack.
For White
Fried Liver Attack
The most famous attacking line in chess. A knight sacrifice for a devastating king hunt.
For White
King's Gambit
The romantic gambit. Sacrifice a pawn for the ultimate attacking chess.
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