Evans Gambit Declined, Showalter Variation

The Showalter Variation arises when White meets the Evans Gambit Declined with 5. a4, threatening a5 to trap the bishop. After 5...a6 gives the bishop a retreat square, White develops with 6. Nc3 instead of pressing further on the queenside. This leaves the b4-pawn without protection, and Black can take it with 6...Nxb4. The developing replies 6...d6 and 6...Nf6 are both more popular. The position is rarely reached, the engine regards it as roughly balanced, and Black scores somewhat better in online games.