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Italian Game: Evans Gambit Accepted is a chess opening that arises after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4 Bxb4. It is classified C51 in the ECO system, and the position after these moves has white to move. The Italian Game develops the bishop to c4, aiming it directly at Black's weakest square, f7. It is among the oldest recorded openings and one of the most recommended for beginners, because every move follows the basic principles of development and central control without requiring memorisation.
Play can go two very different ways. The Giuoco Pianissimo leads to slow build-ups with a closed centre and long manoeuvring, while the Evans Gambit and the older main lines with an early d4 produce sharp open games with early sacrifices.
Beginners and improving players. The Italian teaches central control, rapid development, and king safety without punishing you for not knowing theory.
This line is a variation within the Italian Game family. The strategic ideas above describe the family as a whole; this particular line reaches them by the move order 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4 Bxb4.
Each of these is a named opening reached by playing on from 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4 Bxb4. Open any of them to load the position on the board.