The Accepted, Normal Variation is a variation of the Evans Gambit, catalogued as ECO C52. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 Bxb4 5. c3 Ba5 6. d4 exd4 7. O-O Nge7, reaching the position shown below after 14 half-moves.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on d4), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up two points of material. It is White to move after seven moves. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted; Black has doubled pawns on the d-file; White’s c- and a-files pawns are isolated.
On the Evans Gambit generally: A romantic gambit sacrificing the b-pawn for rapid development and a strong center. Named after Captain William Evans.
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See all 9 Evans Gambit variations →
The Accepted, Normal Variation goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 Bxb4 5. c3 Ba5 6. d4 exd4 7. O-O Nge7. It is a variation of the Evans Gambit and is catalogued as ECO C52.
The Accepted, Normal Variation is ECO C52. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Evans Gambit.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 Bxb4 5. c3 Ba5 6. d4 exd4 7. O-O Nge7 at -0.16 at depth 18, which is balanced. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on d4), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up two points of material. It is White to move. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted; Black has doubled pawns on the d-file; White’s c- and a-files pawns are isolated.