Evans Gambit: Practice GothamChess's Video Move by Move

Name: Learn the Evans and Nakhmanson Gambit | 10-Minute Chess Openings
Uploaded: 2020-11-08
Duration: 11 min 5 s
Channel: GothamChess
Description: GothamChess explains the Evans Gambit. Sacrifice a pawn with b4 to seize the center with c3 and d4, then castle fast and use your space to attack.

From GothamChess's video. You play White. Sacrifice a pawn with b4 to seize the center with c3 and d4, then castle fast and use your space to attack.

The line

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 Nxb4 5. c3 Nc6 6. d4 exd4 7. cxd4 Bb4+ 8. Nbd2 Nf6 9. O-O O-O 10. d5 Na5 11. Bd3

Your moves, explained

1. e4 Controls the center and sets up everything that follows.
2. Nf3 Natural development that forces Black to defend e5.
3. Bc4 Italian setup targeting f7 and preparing the gambit.
4. b4 The Evans Gambit, trading material for fast development and center control.
5. c3 The knight must move, and you gain a tempo while readying d4.
6. d4 Two central pawns give you a dominant space advantage.
7. cxd4 Open c-file and strong pawn center put Black under pressure.
8. Nbd2 Knight blocks on d2 and supports e4.
9. O-O King safety first, now you are ready to push in the center.
10. d5 The knight on c6 must retreat, and your space advantage grows.
11. Bd3 Bishop eyes h7, and your space plus development create real attacking chances.

Key moments in the video

0:22 Open with e4
0:56 Evans Gambit offered
1:25 Gain tempo on knight
1:32 Central break d4
2:19 Block check, stay solid
2:28 Castle quickly
2:35 Space grab d5
2:43 Bishop retreats to d3

Want the theory behind it? Read our Evans Gambit guide.

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Evans Gambit?

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 Nxb4 5. c3 Nc6 6. d4 exd4 7. cxd4 Bb4+ 8. Nbd2 Nf6 9. O-O O-O 10. d5 Na5 11. Bd3. You play White; Sacrifice a pawn with b4 to seize the center with c3 and d4, then castle fast and use your space to attack.

How do I practise the Evans Gambit?

Watch GothamChess's video, then play the line yourself on the board on this page. You make all 11 of White's moves; a wrong move is undone with a hint, and the key moments jump the video to where GothamChess explains each move.

Do I need an account?

No. The practice is free and runs in your browser. Sign up only if you want Chess DNA to find the openings that lose you games in your own Chess.com or Lichess history.

Practice the Evans Gambit