Italian Game: Evans Gambit, McDonnell Defense

An entry in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings (ECO C51), reached after 10 half-moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 Bxb4 5. c3 Bc5.

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6.d4 1 line
- C51 Main Line

About this opening

Italian Game: Evans Gambit, McDonnell Defense 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 10 half-moves from the starting position, with the move sequence 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 Bxb4 5. c3 Bc5.

It belongs to the Italian Game family. Within that family this is a level-2 branch (the Evans Gambit → McDonnell Defense line). The immediate parent line is Italian Game: Evans Gambit, transitioned via 5…Bc5.

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