Main line: 5...Ba5 6.d4 exd4 7.O-O Nge7 is variation 1 of 6 in the Evans Gambit course, a intermediate opening course for White (ECO C52). It runs 23 moves and begins 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 Bxb4 …. The main line of the accepted gambit. Black develops the king's knight to e7 and gives a pawn back with a central break. White's queen goes to b3, wins the b7 pawn and the d-pawn pushes Black's pieces back. 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 and opens lines for the queen and the f1 bishop.
1... e5 – Black claims an equal share of the centre.
2. Nf3 – White develops and attacks the e5 pawn.
2... Nc6 – Black defends e5 and develops a knight.
3. Bc4 – The Italian bishop. It aims at f7, a pawn only Black's king defends.
3... Bc5 – Black puts the bishop on an active square. This is the Giuoco Piano.
4. b4 – The Evans Gambit. White offers the b-pawn to win time for c3 and d4.
4... Bxb4 – Black accepts the pawn. This is the most natural answer.
5. c3 – White wins a tempo on the bishop and prepares d4.
5... Ba5 – The main line. The bishop stays active and keeps an eye on c3.
6. d4 – White builds the big centre that the gambit is played for.
6... exd4 – Black takes the pawn. White now plays for quick development.
7. O-O – White castles first. The king is safe, and the rook gets ready to join the attack.
7... Nge7 – The Mieses Defence. The knight frees f8 and supports a central break with the d-pawn.
8. cxd4 – White takes back. Two pawns stand side by side in the centre.
8... d5 – Black hits back in the centre and gives a pawn to free the game.
The lesson goes on for 7 more moves, each with its explanation.
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