Italian Game: Evans Gambit Declined

An entry in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings (ECO C51), reached after 8 half-moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 Bb6.

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About this opening

Italian Game: Evans Gambit Declined is an opening in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings, classified under code C51. 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 8 half-moves from the starting position, with the move sequence 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 Bb6.

It belongs to the Italian Game family. Within that family this is a sub-variation (the Evans Gambit Declined line).

The opening sequence in prose form: 1.e4 e5, 2.Nf3 Nc6, 3.Bc4 Bc5, 4.b4 Bb6. From this position 3 named continuations are recorded in the encyclopaedia, each leading to a distinct theoretical line.