Italian Game: Evans Gambit, Levenfish Variation position after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4 Bxb4 5.c3 Ba5 6.d4 d6 7.Qb3 Qd7 8.dxe5 dxe5 9.O-O Bb6 10.Ba3 Na5 11.Nxe5. White: knight on e5, bishop on c4, pawn on e4, bishop on a3, queen on b3, pawn on c3, pawn on a2, pawn on f2, pawn on g2, pawn on h2, rook on a1, knight on b1, rook on f1, king on g1. Black: rook on a8, bishop on c8, king on e8, knight on g8, rook on h8, pawn on a7, pawn on b7, pawn on c7, queen on d7, pawn on f7, pawn on g7, pawn on h7, bishop on b6, knight on a5.
Italian Game: Evans Gambit, Levenfish Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4 Bxb4 5.c3 Ba5 6.d4 d6 7.Qb3 Qd7 8.dxe5 dxe5 9.O-O Bb6 10.Ba3 Na5 11.Nxe5. It is classified C52 in the ECO system, and the position after these moves has black 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.
Strategic character
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.
Who should play it
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 5.c3 Ba5 6.d4 d6 7.Qb3 Qd7 8.dxe5 dxe5 9.O-O Bb6 10.Ba3 Na5 11.Nxe5.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Italian Game: Evans Gambit, Levenfish Variation?
The Italian Game: Evans Gambit, Levenfish Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4 Bxb4 5.c3 Ba5 6.d4 d6 7.Qb3 Qd7 8.dxe5 dxe5 9.O-O Bb6 10.Ba3 Na5 11.Nxe5. It is classified C52 in the ECO system. 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.
What are the moves of the Italian Game: Evans Gambit, Levenfish Variation?
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4 Bxb4 5.c3 Ba5 6.d4 d6 7.Qb3 Qd7 8.dxe5 dxe5 9.O-O Bb6 10.Ba3 Na5 11.Nxe5. After these moves it is black to move.
Is the Italian Game: Evans Gambit, Levenfish Variation good for beginners?
Beginners and improving players. The Italian teaches central control, rapid development, and king safety without punishing you for not knowing theory.