← Evans Gambit

Practice: Compromised Defense (5...Be7)

Black retreats to e7

Black retreats the bishop to e7, a modest but solid square. This defence is called "Compromised" because Black concedes more space to White, but the position remains playable and less theoretical.

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. Bc4 Bc5
4. b4 Bxb4
5. c3 Be7
6. d4 Na5
7. Bd3 d5
8. Qe2 Nf6
9. O-O O-O
♟

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Key strategic ideas

  • White sacrifices a pawn on b4 to gain time for d4 and rapid development. The initiative often lasts well into the middlegame.
  • The bishops on c4 and the b2-bishop after c3-Bb2 target Black's weakened kingside.
  • Black has several defences, but all require precise play to weather White's initial attack.

Common mistakes & traps

  • A famous trap: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4 Bxb4 5.c3 Bc5 6.d4 exd4 7.O-O d6 8.cxd4 Bb6 9.d5 Na5 10.Bg5! with a winning attack.
  • If Black tries to hold the gambit pawn with ...Ba5 and ...b5, White plays a4! to open lines on the queenside.

Pawn structure notes

After the gambit, White typically has pawns on e4, d4, and c3, while Black has pawns on d6, e5, and the extra b-pawn. White aims to open lines for attack; Black tries to consolidate and return the pawn for a safe position.

Tips

  • 5...Be7 is a solid but passive defence — Black gives White more central control
  • White gets a strong pawn centre and attacking chances on the kingside
  • A good practical choice for Black who wants to avoid the heaviest theory

About this line

This line is rated intermediate. Practice it repeatedly until you can play the entire sequence without thinking. The in-app trainer tracks your perfect streaks and celebrates milestones.