Italian Game: Evans Gambit Accepted

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 Bxb4

Opening Preview

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.

Italian Game: Evans Gambit Accepted

Moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 Bxb4

The Evans Gambit is a bold and aggressive variation of the Italian Game where White offers a pawn with 4.b4 to divert Black's bishop from the central and influential c5-square. By accepting the gambit with 4...Bxb4, Black grabs material but allows White rapid development and open lines for an early attack.

Characteristic: The key characteristic of this move is White's pawn sacrifice on b4 to gain time and activity. This gambit aims to accelerate White's piece development and generate strong pressure on Black's position, especially targeting the center and kingside.

Attacking or Defensive: White adopts a very attacking stance, seeking quick development and control of the center to launch an initiative. Black, by accepting the gambit, must play accurately and often adopts a more defensive posture to neutralize White’s attacking chances.

Center Control: The Evans Gambit directly challenges control of the center. Although White sacrifices a pawn, the gambit facilitates rapid central dominance and open lines for the pieces, aiming to undermine Black’s foothold in the center.

Related Puzzles

Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Italian Game: Evans Gambit Accepted, and sharpen your opening mastery.

Puzzle 1 of 32 - Move #7 black

Featured Games

You can also discover how top players used Italian Game: Evans Gambit Accepted to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.