Italian Game: Evans Gambit, Steinitz Variation

The Italian Game: Evans Gambit, Steinitz Variation is an aggressive opening that involves sacrificing a pawn to gain rapid development and initiative.

This opening typically starts with a series of pawn and bishop moves aimed at controlling the center and preparing for a kingside attack. White offers a pawn sacrifice with b4 to open up lines and create attacking chances. Black can accept the gambit with Bxb4 or decline it by playing c6. White continues with d4 to open up the center and create active piece play. Black can counter by developing pieces and trying to consolidate the extra pawn. White aims to quickly mobilize the pieces for an attack, with moves like O-O and Nc3. Black must be careful not to fall into tactical traps and defend accurately to maintain the material advantage. The game can lead to sharp tactical battles with chances for both sides.