Chess: 900 to 1800

Italian: 4.O-O, 4.Nc3 and the Evans Gambit

White does not have to play 4.c3. Castling or 4.Nc3 leads to quiet positions where we use the same Pianissimo plans. The Evans Gambit 4.b4 offers a pawn for fast development; we decline it with 4…Bb6 and keep our good bishop.

  • 9 min
  • 1 step
  • Lesson 117 of 132

Three lines, three of them core:

  • 4.O-O: transposing to the Pianissimo (core)
  • 4.Nc3: the Four Knights Italian (core)
  • Evans Gambit declined: 4.b4 Bb6 (core)

Learn takes up to five new lines at a time, core lines first. When the chapter is learned, practise it from memory.

Italian: 4.O-O, 4.Nc3 and the Evans Gambit The square arrow button opens this screen in the full trainer, with its menu and settings. Credit: Chess Trainer

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