Evans Gambit, Steinitz Variation

The Steinitz Variation, named for Wilhelm Steinitz, arises from the McDonnell Defense, 5...Bc5, after 6. d4 exd4 7. O-O d6 8. cxd4 Bb6 9. Nc3. Black keeps the extra pawn and plays 9...Na5, aiming at the c4-bishop. When 10. Bg5 hits the queen, 10...f6 blocks the diagonal at the cost of loosening the kingside, and 11. Be3 drops back. White's compensation rests on the d4–e4 center. A different line, 5...Ba5 6. O-O Qf6, also carries Steinitz's name.