The Evans Gambit, Main Line 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, 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 Italian Game generally: A classical opening focusing on rapid development and control of the center with pieces.
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.
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The Evans Gambit, Main Line goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 Bxb4 5. c3 Ba5. It is a variation of the Italian Game and is catalogued as ECO C52.
The Evans Gambit, Main Line 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 at -0.23 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.
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.