The Evans Gambit Declined, Hicken Variation is a variation of the Italian Game, catalogued as ECO C51. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 Bb6 5. b5 Na5 6. Nxe5 Qg5 7. Qf3 Qxe5 8. Qxf7+ Kd8 9. Bb2, reaching the position shown below after 17 half-moves.
White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at three minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is Black to move after nine moves.
On the Italian Game generally: A classical opening focusing on rapid development and control of the center with pieces.
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The Evans Gambit Declined, Hicken Variation goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 Bb6 5. b5 Na5 6. Nxe5 Qg5 7. Qf3 Qxe5 8. Qxf7+ Kd8 9. Bb2. It is a variation of the Italian Game and is catalogued as ECO C51.
The Evans Gambit Declined, Hicken Variation is ECO C51. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Italian Game.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 Bb6 5. b5 Na5 6. Nxe5 Qg5 7. Qf3 Qxe5 8. Qxf7+ Kd8 9. Bb2 at -1.31 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for Black. 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 e4. Development is level at three minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is Black to move.