Italian Game: Evans Gambit, McDonnell Defense
Italian Game: Evans Gambit
Definition
The Evans Gambit is an enterprising variation of the Italian Game that arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 !?. White deliberately sacrifices the b-pawn to gain time, seize the centre with c2–c3 and d2–d4, and open dangerous lines toward Black’s f7–square. It is classified in ECO as C51–C52.
Typical Move Order
- e4 e5
- Nf3 Nc6
- Bc4 Bc5
- b4 Bxb4 (the pawn is accepted; declining with 4…Bb6 is rare)
- c3 Ba5 (Main line; other retreats lead to named sub-variations)
- d4 exd4
- O-O …
After 5.c3, White threatens 6.d4 driving the bishop back and building a huge centre. Black must decide where to place the bishop and how to cope with the coming onslaught.
Strategic Themes
- Time vs. Material: White invests a pawn for rapid development and central control; Black tries to consolidate and exploit the extra material.
- Open Lines: The a2–g8 and a1–h8 diagonals often become highways for White’s bishops and rook on a1 after a timely a2–a4.
- King Safety: Both sides castle quickly; middlegames revolve around attacks on f7 (for White) and counter-blows in the centre (for Black).
- Pawn Breaks: Typical breaks include d4–d5 (White) or …d7–d5 (Black) to challenge the centre.
Historical Significance
Invented by the Welsh sea-captain William Davies Evans in 1827, the gambit became the terror of 19th-century cafés. Paul Morphy and Adolf Anderssen scored sparkling wins with it, but it fell out of favour when defensive technique improved. Garry Kasparov famously revived the line in the 1990s, defeating Anand and other top grandmasters, proving the gambit’s modern viability.
Illustrative Game
Garry Kasparov – Viswanathan Anand, PCA World Championship (Game 10), New York 1995.
Interesting Facts
- Captain Evans first tested his idea against Alexander McDonnell in 1827, winning in just 24 moves.
- Kings usually end up on opposite wings in later complications, adding to the tactical richness.
- The square f7 is so vulnerable that many Black players adopt special set-ups such as the Compromised Defense (5…Bc5) just to avoid allowing White’s streamlined attack.
McDonnell Defense (in the Evans Gambit)
Definition
The McDonnell Defense is a counter-attacking response Black can choose after accepting the Evans Gambit pawn. The characteristic position is reached by 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 Bxb4 5. c3 Ba5 6. d4 exd4 7. O-O d3 !?. Rather than clinging to the extra pawn on d4, Black returns it on d3, hoping to ruin White’s co-ordination and slow down the initiative.
Key Ideas for Black
- Deflect & Distract: The advance …d3 pulls White’s c2- or e2-pawn away from the centre, buying time for development.
- Rapid Castling: Black often continues …Nf6, …O-O, and …d6, aiming for a solid, if somewhat passive, setup.
- Material Balance: By returning the pawn, Black hopes to equalise material quickly and head for an endgame free of White’s attacking chances.
Typical Continuation
- …d3 (The signature move)
- Bxd3 Nf6
- e5 d5 or …Ng4
White still enjoys lead in development, but the sting of the Evans Gambit is muted because the d-file is blocked and the c3-pawn no longer supports d4–d5.
Historical Background
Named after the 19th-century Irish master Alexander McDonnell, who faced Captain Evans himself. While McDonnell’s defensive concept did not completely neutralise the gambit, it became one of the earliest structured antidotes and was widely adopted in the La Bourdonnais–McDonnell matches of 1834.
Sample Game
La Bourdonnais – McDonnell, Fifth Match Game, London 1834.
Evaluation & Modern Usage
Engines give White a slight edge (+0.4 – +0.7) thanks to superior
activity, but practical results are healthy for Black, who scores close to 50 %.
Because modern theory views 7…d3 as somewhat passive, elite players rarely adopt it;
nevertheless it remains a playable surprise weapon, especially in rapid or blitz.
Curiosities
- The move …d3 can also arise in the Two Knights Defense when Black sacrifices on d5, showing thematic overlap in Italian structures.
- Some databases still label the line “ECO C52” even though many branch files now classify it separately as C52a.
- Kasparov briefly looked at using the McDonnell Defense as Black during his 1995 match preparations—a testament to its enduring practical value.