Italian Game: Evans Gambit Declined, Lange Variation

The Italian Game: Evans Gambit Declined, Lange Variation is a chess opening that involves sacrificing a pawn to gain a strong attacking position.

1. e4 2. e5 3. Nf3 4. Nc6 5. Bc4 6. Bc5 7. b4 8. Bb6 9. b5 10. Na5 11. Nxe5 12. Nh6

The Italian Game: Evans Gambit Declined, Lange Variation begins with a pawn sacrifice by White, aiming to gain a lead in development and create attacking opportunities. After the initial pawn moves, White's knight moves to attack the e5 pawn, forcing Black's knight to retreat. White then develops the bishop to c4, putting pressure on Black's e5 pawn and preparing to castle. Black responds by mirroring White's moves, developing their own bishop to c5.

White continues the aggressive play by pushing the b4 pawn, offering another pawn sacrifice. Black accepts the challenge and captures the b4 pawn with their bishop. White then plays b5, forcing Black's knight to retreat to a5. White captures the e5 pawn with their knight, creating an imbalanced position with material advantage for Black but with White having a strong initiative and active pieces.

Black's knight moves to h6, defending the f7 square and preparing to develop the bishop to e6. White can continue with various moves, such as developing the remaining pieces, castling, or preparing for a central pawn break. Black, on the other hand, needs to consolidate their position, defend their pawns, and find a way to counter White's initiative.

Overall, the Italian Game: Evans Gambit Declined, Lange Variation is a dynamic opening that offers White attacking chances in exchange for material. It requires accurate play from both sides to navigate the complexities of the resulting positions.

Frequency: 1 %Stockfish score: -0.4, depth 40
Games Statistics:
White/Draws/Black
41.4%
3.8%
54.8%
Bookmoves score:
RateWhiteBlack
0...1800--
1800...200043.256.8
2000...220049.659.3
2200...250045.957.7
2500...49.650.4