Evans Gambit
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 · C51–C52
Starting positionWhite to move
0 / 14
The pawn buys time, and time is the whole gambit
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The idea
White throws the b-pawn at the bishop to buy the moves c3 and d4, building an ideal centre at full speed — the oldest gambit still played at the top level.
Main line: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4 Bxb4 5.c3 Ba5 6.d4 exd4 7.O-O d6
What White wants
- Use the b4 pawn to gain the tempo that builds the c3/d4 centre
- Attack down the a2–g8 diagonal and on the queenside half-open files
- Keep the initiative at all costs — the material deficit is real
What Black wants
- Give the pawn back at the right moment to reach a solid position
- Play ...d6, ...Nf6 and ...O-O and consolidate
- Meet Ba3 or Qb3 with ...d6 and careful defence, not greed
Key idea
Understand this and the moves stop needing to be memorised.
The pawn buys time, and time is the whole gambit
Black spends moves capturing on b4 and retreating from c3, while White builds the centre with d4. The pawn buys development and open lines. If Black returns material to complete development, White must judge the new position rather than assume an attack.
Common mistake
Collecting more pawns without checking the cost in development. White's Qb3 and Ba3 ideas can pressure f7 and disrupt castling; Black should be ready to return material and activate the pieces rather than defend every extra pawn at all costs.
Representative position
The position this opening is aiming at. Copy the FEN, or open it in the analysis board and let the engine tell you what it is worth.
r1bqk1nr/ppp2ppp/2np4/b7/2BpP3/2P2N2/P4PPP/RNBQ1RK1 w kq - 0 8
Analyze this positionTraps in this opening
Moves in this opening that look natural and lose.
All opening traps