← Evans Gambit

Practice: Slow Variation (6.O-O)

Castling before d4

White castles before pushing d4, a slower approach that keeps the position more closed. This variation was a favourite of the Romantic era and remains a practical alternative.

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. Bc4 Bc5
4. b4 Bxb4
5. c3 Ba5
6. O-O d6
7. d4 Bb6
8. Bg5 Nf6
9. Nbd2 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

  • 6.O-O delays the centre break and keeps the position slightly more closed
  • This can catch Black who expects the immediate d4 push
  • The slower approach is less theoretical but still offers White good attacking chances

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.