Giuoco Piano: Evans Gambit Slow Variation
Giuoco Piano Game – Evans Gambit, Accepted, Slow Variation
Definition
The Giuoco Piano Game – Evans Gambit, Accepted, Slow Variation is a branch of the Italian Opening that begins with the spectacular Evans Gambit (4.b4) and continues with Black accepting the offered b-pawn (4…Bxb4). After the customary 5.c3 Ba5, however, White chooses the restrained move 6.d3 instead of the more direct 6.d4. Because White “puts the brakes on” and only later strikes in the center, the line is called the Slow Variation. Its ECO classification is C52.
Typical Move Order
- e4 e5
- Nf3 Nc6
- Bc4 Bc5
- b4 Bxb4 ( Evans Gambit )
- c3 Ba5
- d3 ( Slow Variation )
How the Variation Is Used
Instead of the immediate central thrust 6.d4, White’s 6.d3:
- Secures the e4-pawn and prepares a later d4 under more favorable circumstances.
- Gives White the option of rapid kingside castling followed by Re1, h3, Nbd2-f1-g3, and often a timely d4 or even b4-b5.
- Avoids the main theoretical minefields of the Evans Gambit Accepted, forcing Black to solve problems over the board rather than relying on heavy preparation.
Black, for his part, usually replies 6…Nf6, 6…d6, or 6…Qf6, continuing normal development while asking White to justify the pawn investment.
Strategic Themes
- Long-term Initiative vs. Material: White is still a pawn down, so energetic play is required. The Slow Variation banks on positional pressure—open lines for the bishops and rooks, and potential kingside attacks.
- Flexible Center: Because d4 is delayed, the central pawn structure can resemble either a closed Italian with c3–d4 pawns or an open Evans should White later capture on e5.
- Piece Activity: White’s light-squared bishop on c4 and queen on b3 (a common motif) aim at f7. Black must coordinate carefully, often returning material with …d5 or …d6 to blunt the attack.
- Ba4 Manoeuvres: Black’s extra pawn is on b4, so the bishop on a5 can sometimes be trapped after a timely Qa4+ or b4-b5 followed by Bd2.
Historical Significance
The Evans Gambit was popularized by Captain William Evans in the 1820s and became the darling of the Romantic era. The Slow Variation was a favorite of the 19th-century masters who valued rapid development over immediate central confrontation. Although the gambit faded from elite play in the 20th century, Garry Kasparov and later Magnus Carlsen occasionally resurrected it—sometimes via the Slow move order—to surprise well-prepared opponents.
Illustrative Games
- Adolf Anderssen – Ignatz Kolisch, Paris 1867
Anderssen employs 6.d3 and demonstrates how rapid piece mobilization and control of the a2–g8 diagonal can compensate for the pawn. - Garry Kasparov – Viswanathan Anand, Riga Rapid 1995
Kasparov unveils the Slow Evans in a modern setting, sacs a second pawn, and wins in trademark attacking style—reviving interest in the gambit at top level.
Example Miniature
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Captain Evans allegedly conceived the gambit while serving on a packet boat; legend says he first tested it against Alexander McDonnell in 1824 after noticing that Black’s bishop on c5 could be lured to an awkward square.
- The name “Slow” does not imply passivity; many spectacular king hunts have arisen after the seemingly modest 6.d3.
- Computer engines today give roughly equal chances if Black defends precisely, yet the line still appears in rapid and blitz because one inaccuracy can lead to a swift knockout.
- In 2013, Magnus Carlsen tried a Slow-Evans structure (via a transposition) against Hikaru Nakamura in a blitz game, commenting afterward that “it is always nice to play like the old masters—if only for a few moves.”
Summary
The Giuoco Piano – Evans Gambit, Accepted, Slow Variation is a fascinating blend of Romantic-era audacity and positional patience. By postponing the central clash, White retains flexibility while maintaining the traditional Evans initiative. For players who relish open lines, rapid development, and rich attacking possibilities—yet wish to sidestep the heaviest theory—the Slow Variation remains a potent, timeless weapon.