The Evans Gambit, Johner Defense is a variation of the Italian Game, 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 b5, 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 Italian Game generally: A classical opening focusing on rapid development and control of the center with pieces.
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The Evans Gambit, Johner Defense goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 Bxb4 5. c3 Ba5 6. d4 exd4 7. O-O b5. It is a variation of the Italian Game and is catalogued as ECO C52.
The Evans Gambit, Johner Defense is ECO C52. 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 Bxb4 5. c3 Ba5 6. d4 exd4 7. O-O b5 at +0.93 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for White. 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.