The Stone-Ware 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 Bd6, reaching the position shown below after 10 half-moves.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on e5). Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is White to move after five 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.
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See all 9 Evans Gambit variations →
The Stone-Ware Variation goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 Bxb4 5. c3 Bd6. It is a variation of the Evans Gambit and is catalogued as ECO C51.
The Stone-Ware 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 Bd6 at +0.28 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.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on e5). 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.