ECO code: C52
Italian Game: Evans Gambit, Compromised Defense
The Evans Gambit is an aggressive variation of the Italian Game where White offers a pawn early on (4. b4) to gain rapid development and open lines for an attack. In this particular line, after 4...Bxb4 5. c3 Ba5 6. d4 exd4 7. O-O dxc3, Black accepts the gambit but captures a second pawn, entering what is known as the Compromised Defense.
Characteristic of this move: Black's 7...dxc3 captures a second pawn, grabbing material but lagging in development and king safety. This move is somewhat risky as it allows White to build a strong initiative with rapid piece activity and open lines towards Black's position.
Attacking or defensive: White plays aggressively, focusing on an attacking stance with active piece play and pressure on Black's center and king. Black, having accepted the gambit, adopts a more defensive posture, needing to consolidate the extra material and complete development carefully.
Center control: This opening strongly attacks the center. White uses pawn moves like d4 and rapid piece deployment to challenge Black's control of central squares, aiming to dominate the center and create tactical threats early in the game.
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, Compromised Defense, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 2 - Move #9 black