Evans Gambit Declined

By retreating 4...Bb6 instead of taking on b4, Black avoids the gambit's lines and keeps the bishop on the a7-g1 diagonal aimed at f2. In the accepted gambit White uses the capture to gain tempi with c3 and d4. Here White has no such chance, though the b4-pawn does give extra queenside space. White's most common reply is 5. c3, preparing d4 anyway, while 5. O-O simply develops. The pointed 5. a4 threatens a5 to trap the bishop and forces Black to make room for it. After 5. a4 a6 6. Nc3 the game enters the Showalter Variation. 5. Bb2, the Cordel Variation, is rarely played.

The direct 5. b5 is considered less accurate. After 5. b5 Na5 6. Nxe5 Black can counterattack with 6...Qg5 (the Hirschbach Variation) or 6...Nh6 (the Lange Variation), with forcing play around f7 and g2. The engine rates the position after 4...Bb6 as roughly balanced, and in online games Black scores slightly better than White.