What is the Evans Gambit?
In the Giuoco Piano, White plays b4 and offers the b-pawn. If Black takes with Bxb4, White plays c3 and hits the bishop again. For one pawn, White gets a big center and fast development.
History
It is named after William Davies Evans, a Welsh sea captain. He first used the idea in London in the late 1820s. Garry Kasparov brought it back in 1995 with a 25-move win over Viswanathan Anand.
Key ideas
For White
- Use the time won against the bishop to push the c- and d-pawns.
- Castle early and open lines before Black is developed.
- Aim at f7 with the bishop on c4 and the queen on b3.
For Black
- Take the pawn, but give it back when that helps you develop.
- Put the bishop on a safe square such as a5 or b6.
- Develop and castle before you take more pawns.
Main replies for Black
- Ba5 The main line. The bishop pins the c3 pawn when White pushes d4.
- Be7 Anderssen Variation. A safe and practical choice.
- Bc5 Natural, but d4 gains more time against the bishop.
- Bb6 Evans Gambit Declined. Black keeps the bishop but falls behind in development.