The Evans Gambit is lesson 1 of 10 in Brilliant sacrifices 2: gambits, an opening course suited to players rated around 1200 (improving players). Italian Game, Evans Gambit, C51. White gives the b-pawn to win time for c3 and d4. It has 3 interactive exercises: 3 find-the-move puzzles. You play every move on a board and get feedback straight away. The lesson is free.
What this lesson explains
This is the Italian Game. Black's bishop sits on c5. White wants a big centre with c3 and d4, and pays a pawn for the time. The gambit is named after Captain William Evans, who played it in the 1820s. About 81.3 million rated games on Lichess have reached this position.
b4! The pawn offers itself to the bishop on c5. If Bxb4, White plays c3 with tempo, and then d4.
After Bxb4, c3 hits the bishop, and it goes to a5. Then d4 opens the centre, and White castles. White is a pawn down, but the pieces come out fast. The engines call it about equal.
Recap.
The Evans Gambit gives the b-pawn for time.
After Bxb4, c3 and d4 come with tempo.
White gets a strong centre and quick development.
If Black declines with Bb6, play a4.
What you practise
First play the line. You are White: play the moves of the Evans Gambit, up to the moment of the sacrifice.
Your turn: find the sacrifice. White wants c3 and d4 with tempo. Offer a wing pawn to the bishop on c5.
Black declines the gambit with Bb6. Keep gaining space on the queen side, and chase the bishop.
Worked examples
First play the line. You are White: play the moves of the Evans Gambit, up to the moment of the sacrifice. Good. Black answers Bc5. Now the position is ready for the sacrifice.
Your turn: find the sacrifice. White wants c3 and d4 with tempo. Offer a wing pawn to the bishop on c5. That is the Evans Gambit. One pawn buys you time, and the centre opens with d4.
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