Italian Game: Evans Gambit, Anderssen Variation

In the Italian Game: Evans Gambit, Anderssen Variation, White begins the game by making a bold move, e4. This move asserts control over the central squares and allows White's pieces to move freely. By advancing the pawn, White can gain control of important positions on the board and set up potential attacks. The Evans Gambit, Anderssen Variation is a dynamic opening that can quickly turn the tide of the game in White's favor.

Black's move e5 is a direct response to White's opening move e4. By placing a pawn in the center of the board, Black gains control of important squares and creates a flexible position. The pawn also supports the development of Black's pieces, particularly the knights, which can now be moved to create threats against White's position. Furthermore, the move e5 allows Black to aim for a solid counterattacking game.

White's move of Nf3 is a natural follow-up to e4, as it develops the knight and attacks Black's central pawn on e5. It also prepares for possible future attacks, such as the fork with Ng5 targeting both the f7 and h7 squares. In addition, the knight on f3 also supports the control of the center, allowing other pieces to be developed to efficient positions. In sum, Nf3 is a common move in many openings due to its flexibility and potential for different attacking opportunities.

In the Italian Game: Evans Gambit, Anderssen Variation, Black's move of Nc6, attacks White's pawn on e5 and defends its own pawn on e5. The knight on c6 also prepares for eventual castling, which is a crucial king safety move in chess. Additionally, it frees Black's queen to be developed to an active square, which can have tactical attacking potential. In sum, Nc6 is a common response to Nf3 and helps strengthen Black's position.

White's move of Bc4 pins Black's knight on c6 to the queen, which threatens a potential attack on f7, a critical square in Black's position. The bishop on c4 also supports the control the central squares, and prepares to castle kingside to further develop White's army. It's important to note that Bc4 is a standard move in many openings, including the Italian Game, as it allows White to take the initiative and create potential threats against Black's king. Finally, the bishop on c4 can act as a valuable tactical piece, offering several attacking ideas and potentially exerting pressure on Black's position.

Black's move of Bc5 pins White's knight on f3 to the queen, preventing the possible knight fork with Ng5. It also develops a piece and controls the central squares, supported by Black's pawn on e5. Moreover, it prepares for eventual castling and creates an opportunity to put pressure on White's central pawns. The bishop on c5 can also have tactical capabilities, with possible ideas such as an eventual attack on f2. Finally, Bc5 is a common move in many openings, including the Italian Game, as it allows Black to counterattack against White's central control.

In the Italian Game: Evans Gambit, Anderssen Variation, White's move of b4, known as the Evans Gambit, aims to sacrifice a pawn to open lines and create attacking opportunities. The pawn on b4 attacks Black's bishop on c5, forcing it to move and losing the tempo. It also prepares for a potential expansion on the queenside, creating more space for White's pieces and potentially disrupting Black's position. By offering the pawn, White aims to open the c-file and control the center, making it easier to develop White's pieces and launch possible attacks. The Evans Gambit is a popular and aggressive variation played by many grandmasters.

Black's move of Bxb4 immediately captures White's pawn offered on b4. This not only gains a material advantage but also opens up the possibility of placing the bishop on a5, pinning White's knight on c3 and restricting White's moves. Moreover, the captured pawn on b4 can act as a distraction, causing White to lose focus on potential plans and opportunities for White's pieces. However, it's essential to take into consideration the potential loss of time by moving the bishop twice and the potential for White to gain the initiative on the queenside. Bxb4 is a common move and has been played successfully in many games.

White's move c3 aims to take control of the center and create a secure square for the knight to develop to. By protecting the pawn on d4, White can continue to control important squares and prepare for future attacking opportunities. Additionally, it prevents Black's bishop on a5 from pinning the knight on c3, and also opens up potential plans for the bishop on c1 to be developed to b2, applying more pressure on Black's position. In sum, c3 is a standard move in many openings and solidifies White's position in this variation of the Italian Game.

In the Italian Game: Evans Gambit, Anderssen Variation, Black's move of Be7 defends the pawn on e5, which was attacked by White's pawn on c3. It also avoids any potential pin on the bishop by White's queen on d3. Moreover, it releases the potential move of the knight on f6, which can be used to defend the kingside or attack in combination with other pieces. Additionally, the bishop on e7 is developed to a secure and flexible position, allowing it to participate in the game actively. Finally, Be7 prepares for eventual castling, a necessary move to ensure the safety of the king.