ECO code: C51
Italian Game: Evans Gambit, McDonnell Defense
The Evans Gambit arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 Bxb4 5. c3 Bc5. In this line, White offers a pawn early on with 4. b4 to gain rapid development and open lines for an attack. The McDonnell Defense is characterized by Black's decision to retreat the bishop to c5 instead of holding onto the extra pawn with moves like ...Ba5 or ...Be7.
Characteristic of the move: By playing 5...Bc5, Black aims to maintain active piece placement and avoid passive defense, opting to keep pressure along the diagonal rather than trying to cling to the gambited pawn. This move is somewhat flexible and pragmatic, focusing on piece activity over material.
Attacking or Defensive: As White, the Evans Gambit is inherently an attacking opening, aiming for quick development and initiative. Black’s McDonnell Defense here is more defensive and solid, seeking to neutralize White’s immediate threats while maintaining piece activity.
Does this opening attack the center? Yes. White’s gambit and follow-up moves aim to challenge and dominate the center rapidly, especially with pawns on e4 and c3 supporting d4 pushes. Black counters by controlling central squares and placing pieces actively, but White maintains the initiative in central control.
This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Italian Game: Evans Gambit, McDonnell Defense, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 4 - Move #8 black