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Italian Game

Evans Gambit, Harding Variation

C51gambitaggressive

  1. 1.e4e5
  2. 2.Nf3Nc6
  3. 3.Bc4Bc5
  4. 4.b4Bxb4
  5. 5.c3Bc5
  6. 6.d4exd4
  7. 7.cxd4Bb4+
  8. 8.Bd2
1,725 games54%43%

A line of the Evans Gambit's McDonnell Defense in which White blocks the bishop check with 8. Bd2, keeping a broad pawn center for the pawn.

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About the Harding Variation

The Harding Variation comes from the McDonnell Defense, 5...Bc5. After 6. d4 exd4 7. cxd4 Bb4+, White answers the check by interposing 8. Bd2. White stays a pawn down but keeps a mobile pawn pair on d4 and e4, with half-open files for the pieces. Black usually replies 8...Bxd2+ and exchanges the bishop. 8...Nf6 and 8...Qe7 are much less common. The engine rates the position as roughly balanced, and White scores somewhat better in practice.

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