Italian Game: Evans Gambit, Compromised Defense

An entry in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings (ECO C52), reached after 14 half-moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 Bxb4 5. c3 Ba5 6. d4 exd4 7. O-O dxc3.

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Black bishop — Use ← → arrows or click moves to step through.

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8.Qb3 2 lines
- C52 Main Line
- C52 Potter Variation

About this opening

Italian Game: Evans Gambit, Compromised Defense is an opening in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings, classified under code C52. ECO group C (C00–C99) covers open games (1.e4 e5) and the French Defence, including the Ruy Lopez, Italian, Scotch and King's Gambit. This particular variation is reached after 14 half-moves from the starting position, with the move sequence 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 Bxb4 5. c3 Ba5 6. d4 exd4 7. O-O dxc3.

It belongs to the Italian Game family. Within that family this is a level-2 branch (the Evans Gambit → Compromised Defense line). The immediate parent line is Italian Game: Evans Gambit, transitioned via 7…dxc3.

The opening sequence in prose form: 1.e4 e5, 2.Nf3 Nc6, 3.Bc4 Bc5, 4.b4 Bxb4, 5.c3 Ba5, 6.d4 exd4. From this position exactly one named continuation is recorded in the encyclopaedia.