How to Play the Evans Gambit
The Evans Gambit is one of the most celebrated attacking gambits in chess history. After the Italian Game setup, White sacrifices the b4 pawn to rip open the position and launch a devastating attack. Kasparov called it 'the attack of a genius' after using it to crush Anand in 1995.
Move Sequence
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4
Key Ideas
- Pawn sacrifice for development: The b4 pawn sacrifice lures Black's bishop to b4, then c3 or a5, wasting tempos. White uses those tempos to build a powerful center with c3 and d4, creating an overwhelming development advantage and open lines for attack.
- The center after d4: After 5.c3 Ba5 6.d4, White has a huge pawn center and all pieces ready to pour into the attack. Black must find an active defense — passive play is quickly fatal against the Evans Gambit's attacking potential.
- Kasparov revival: Garry Kasparov famously revived the Evans Gambit in the 1990s, using it to defeat Vishy Anand at Riga 1995 in a spectacular attacking game. This put the Evans back on the map at grandmaster level and inspired a new generation of players.
Questions players ask
What is the best defense against the Evans Gambit?
The most reliable defenses are the Accepted (4...Bxb4 5.c3 Ba5 or 5...Bc5) and the Declined (4...Bb6). Many top players including Kasparov's own opponents have tested these lines. Both defenses are solid, but Black must play actively to neutralize White's attacking pressure.
Can the Evans Gambit be declined?
Yes — after 4.b4, Black can decline with 4...Bb6, keeping the bishop on a safe square. The resulting positions are less sharp but White still has a slight initiative. Declining the gambit avoids the main theoretical battles but gives White a comfortable position.
Is the Evans Gambit still played today?
Yes — the Evans Gambit sees regular use at club level and occasional grandmaster appearances, especially in rapid games. Its sharp, attacking nature makes it dangerous when opponents are unprepared, and recent engines have confirmed that Black must play precisely to equalize.