Evans Gambit Declined, Cordel Variation

The Cordel Variation answers 4...Bb6 with 5. Bb2, putting the bishop on the long diagonal toward e5 and g7 instead of preparing d4 with c3. The move leaves the b4-pawn undefended, and Black can capture it with 5...Nxb4, though this removes a defender of e5. The usual reply is the solid 5...d6, and the engine also likes 5...Nf6. The line is rarely played, the position is roughly balanced, and Black scores well in online games.