Evans Gambit Declined: 4...Bb6 5.a4 is variation 6 of 6 in the Evans Gambit course, a intermediate opening course for White (ECO C51). It runs 19 moves and begins 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 Bb6 …. Black does not take the pawn and keeps the bishop on b6. White gains space with the a-pawn and jumps a knight to d5. Then the pawns push on and chase Black's pieces. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. e4 – White takes the centre.
1... e5 – Black claims an equal share.
2. Nf3 – White develops and attacks e5.
2... Nc6 – Black defends e5.
3. Bc4 – The bishop aims at f7.
3... Bc5 – The Giuoco Piano.
4. b4 – The Evans Gambit. White offers a pawn.
4... Bb6 – Black declines the gambit and keeps the bishop on its diagonal.
5. a4 – White gains space. The a-pawn threatens to go on and trap the bishop.
5... a6 – Black makes a safe square for the bishop on a7.
6. Nc3 – White develops and eyes the d5 square.
6... Nf6 – Black develops and attacks e4.
7. Nd5 – The knight jumps to d5 and hits the b6 bishop and the f6 knight.
7... Nxd5 – Black trades off the strong knight.
8. exd5 – White takes back. The pawn on d5 attacks the c6 knight.
8... Nd4 – The knight jumps forward to a central square.
The lesson goes on for 3 more moves, each with its explanation.
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