The Evans Gambit, McDonnell Defense, Main Line 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 Bxb4 5. c3 Bc5 6. d4 exd4 7. O-O d6 8. cxd4 Bb6, reaching the position shown below after 16 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 eight moves. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted; 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.
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The Evans Gambit, McDonnell Defense, Main Line goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 Bxb4 5. c3 Bc5 6. d4 exd4 7. O-O d6 8. cxd4 Bb6. It is a variation of the Italian Game and is catalogued as ECO C51.
The Evans Gambit, McDonnell Defense, Main Line 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 Bxb4 5. c3 Bc5 6. d4 exd4 7. O-O d6 8. cxd4 Bb6 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.
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 has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted; White’s a-file pawn is isolated.