Evans Gambit: Pierce Defense (C52)

The Pierce Defense 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 Bb6, 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.

You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.

Position characteristics

• Black material edge
• Contested centre
• Doubled pawns
• Isolated pawn

Related Evans Gambit lines

• Accepted, Main Line
• Accepted, Morphy Attack
• Slow Variation
• Compromised Defense
• Stone-Ware Variation
• Hein Countergambit
• Accepted, Normal Variation
• Accepted, Mieses Defense

See all 9 Evans Gambit variations →

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Pierce Defense?

The Pierce Defense goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 Bxb4 5. c3 Ba5 6. d4 exd4 7. O-O Bb6. It is a variation of the Evans Gambit and is catalogued as ECO C52.

What is the ECO code for the Pierce Defense?

The Pierce Defense is ECO C52. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Evans Gambit.

Is the Pierce Defense good for Black?

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 Bb6 at +0.25 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.

What kind of position does the Pierce Defense lead to?

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.