Evans Gambit, McDonnell Defense, Main Line
- 1.e4e5
- 2.Nf3Nc6
- 3.Bc4Bc5
- 4.b4Bxb4
- 5.c3Bc5
- 6.d4exd4
- 7.O-Od6
- 8.cxd4Bb6
1,681 games
Main line of the Evans Gambit's McDonnell Defense, where White's e4-d4 center and quick development face Black's extra pawn and a bishop on b6.
Train it in TheoriaAbout the Main Line
The Main Line of the McDonnell Defense is reached after 8...Bb6. White has a broad e4-d4 center in return for the pawn, while Black's bishop on b6 aims at d4. The most common continuation is 9. Qb3, which targets f7. 9. Nc3, known as the Morphy Attack, develops a piece instead, and 9. d5 gains space by hitting the knight on c6. The engine rates the position roughly balanced, and Black scores slightly better in practice.