Italian Game · C51

Evans Gambit, Harding Variation

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 Bxb4 5. c3 Bc5 6. d4 exd4 7. cxd4 Bb4+ 8. Bd2

Black keeps the extra pawn; White plays for time, open lines, and initiative - the classic gambit trade. b4 gives a wing pawn to buy the centre with c3 and d4 a tempo up - White attacks before Black's extra pawn can matter. White's bishop on d2 is pinned against the king.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 1... e5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d4, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 2. Nf3 Develops the knight to f3, eyeing d4 and e5.
• 2... Nc6 Develops the knight to c6, eyeing d4 and e5. It also props up the e5 pawn.

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