The Slow Variation is a variation of the Evans Gambit, catalogued as ECO C51. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 Bxb4 5. c3 Bc5 6. d4 exd4 7. cxd4 Bb6, reaching the position shown below after 14 half-moves.
White holds the centre with pawns on d4 and e4. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is White to move after seven moves. White’s a-file pawn is 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.
See all 9 Evans Gambit variations →
The Slow Variation goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 Bxb4 5. c3 Bc5 6. d4 exd4 7. cxd4 Bb6. It is a variation of the Evans Gambit and is catalogued as ECO C51.
The Slow Variation is ECO C51. 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 Bc5 6. d4 exd4 7. cxd4 Bb6 at +0.35 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, within normal opening margins. 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.
White holds the centre with pawns on d4 and e4. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is White to move. White’s a-file pawn is isolated.