Italian Game: Evans Gambit, Waller Attack

The Italian Game: Evans Gambit, Waller Attack is a sharp and aggressive chess opening that aims to quickly open up the center and create attacking chances for both sides.

The opening is characterized by an early pawn sacrifice by White, which aims to disrupt Black's pawn structure and accelerate the development of White's pieces. This gambit is named after the Welsh sea captain William Davies Evans, who first employed it in the 19th century. The Waller Attack, a specific variation of the Evans Gambit, involves a queen move to b3, putting pressure on Black's f7 pawn and potentially setting up a dangerous attack on Black's king.

In this opening, White sacrifices a pawn on b4 to lure Black's dark-squared bishop away from the center. After Black captures the pawn, White plays c3, preparing to recapture the pawn with a pawn and open up the center. Black retreats the bishop to a5, and White continues with d4, further opening up the center and creating threats against Black's e5 pawn.

Black typically captures the pawn on d4, and White castles kingside, connecting the rooks and preparing to bring more pieces into the attack. Black usually responds with d6, solidifying the pawn structure and opening up lines for the light-squared bishop and queen.

At this point, White plays Qb3, the hallmark of the Waller Attack. This move puts pressure on Black's f7 pawn, which is often a key target in the Italian Game. Black must now carefully navigate the middlegame, balancing the need to defend against White's threats while also developing their own pieces and counterplay.