The Italian Game: Evans Gambit Declined reaches a named position after 4 moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4 Bb6
In practical games, this line matters because the early pawn and piece choices decide which middlegame plans are natural. Use the board above to learn the move order, then complete Practice without hints before adding the opening to your regular queue.
If this exact branch does not appear in your games, study the related lines below. Openings often transpose, and recognizing the family pattern is more useful than memorizing one narrow sequence.
The idea behind this line
White develops quickly toward the kingside and prepares the central d4 break.
What to look for
- Challenge the center with ...Nf6 and ...d5.
- Castle before chasing the c4 bishop.
- Use ...a6 and ...Ba7 only when the center is stable.
Position details
This line branches from Italian Game: Evans Gambit with Bb6.
r1bqk1nr/pppp1ppp/1bn5/4p3/1PB1P3/5N2/P1PP1PPP/RNBQK2R w KQkq - 1 5