Evans Gambit, Pierce Defense

The Pierce Defense answers 6. d4 in the Main Line of the Evans Gambit by taking a second pawn with 6...exd4, the most common reply at this point. The more solid 6...d6 holds the e5-point. With the bishop on a5 pinning the c3-pawn to the king on e1, 7. cxd4 is illegal, so White must regain material later or keep it invested. Black is two pawns up, with a d4-pawn that blocks the c3-pawn and is hard to support. White relies on open lines, a lead in development and pressure on f7.

Castling with 7. O-O is played in about two-thirds of games. It prepares to break the pin and to open the center. The more direct 7. Qb3 targets f7 at once and scores best for White in practice. Recapturing with 7. Nxd4 wins back a pawn but gives up much of the initiative, and Black has scored better than White after it. The engine considers the position balanced despite the material deficit. Play is sharp and tactical, with both sides needing precise knowledge of the forcing lines.