Italian Game: Evans Gambit, Fontaine Countergambit

In the Italian Game: Evans Gambit, Fontaine Countergambit, White opens with 1.e4 which is a central pawn advance. This move creates more space in the center and allows pieces to be developed quickly. With the move 1.e4, White aims to gain control of the center, open lines for the Bishop and Queen, and prepare for castling. Additionally, this move is the starting point of many different aggressive openings and gambits designed to pressurize the black position, such as the Evans Gambit and Fontaine Countergambit. Thus, 1.e4 is a move that emphasizes control of the center and is the basis for many exciting opening variations.

When Black plays e5 after 1.e4, they directly challenge White's control over the central squares. By pushing the pawn to e5, Black gains control of squares d4 and f4 and puts pressure on White's pawn on e4. Additionally, this move opens lines for the Queen and Bishop on the f8-square, and puts pressure on White's pawn structure. Moreover, e5 is a very common move in many different openings since it is a crucial step towards occupying the center of the board. Therefore, playing e5 when facing 1.e4 is a straightforward way to contest White's dominance over the center of the board.

White's move Nf3 after 1.e4 e5 is a natural developing move that brings a Knight towards the center of the board. Nf3 supports the e4-pawn and prepares castling kingside. In addition, Nf3 puts pressure on the Black pawn on e5, limiting its mobility and helping White control the center. This move also allows White to safely develop their other pieces, such as the Bishop and Queen, without blocking any central pawns. Moreover, Nf3 prepares various attacking and positional options in the coming moves. Hence, Nf3 is considered to be one of the most popular and flexible moves in the chess openings.

In the Italian Game: Evans Gambit, Fontaine Countergambit, Black responds to 2.Nf3 with 2...Nc6. This move is a developing move, bringing the Knight towards the center and supporting the pawn on e5. Additionally, Nc6 prepares the pawn on d7 to move forward to d5, attacking White's pawn on e4 and contending the center. This move also allows the Knight to play an active role in the game, potentially attacking White's pawns and pieces. Moreover, Nc6 affords Black greater flexibility in their position, allowing them to choose from a variety of openings that utilize the Knight's position on c6. Therefore, 2...Nc6 is a versatile move that develops a piece, contests the center, and prepares for future actions by Black.

White's move Bc4 after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 is a developing move that puts pressure on the f7-pawn. By lining up the Bishop on the a2-g8 diagonal, White threatens to trade off Black's critical defensive Knight on f6, which protects the vital pawn on e5. Additionally, Bc4 aims to exert additional control over the central d5-square, potentially preparing for a pawn thrust to d4. Furthermore, Bc4 puts pressure on Black's King position and prepares castling kingside. This move is also often followed by the aggressive Evans Gambit, in which White sacrifices a pawn for rapid development and pressure on Black's pawn structure. Hence, Bc4 is a central move in many exciting and popular openings, creating great attacking potential for White.

In response to 3.Bc4 in the Italian Game, Black typically responds with 3...Bc5. This developing move brings the Bishop out and puts pressure on White's pawn on e4. Furthermore, Bc5 supports the pawn on d4 and aims to contest the central squares. This move is also referred to as the Giuoco Piano (Italian Game), a variation that aims to create a balanced game in which both sides fight for control of the center. Additionally, Bc5 prepares castling kingside and puts pressure on the White pawn structure, potentially creating targets for Black to attack later in the game. Hence, Bc5 is a crucial move in many openings, affirming Black's commitment to gaining control of the center of the board.

In the Italian Game: Evans Gambit, Fontaine Countergambit, after 3.Bc4 Bc5, White can choose to play 4.b4, which is referred to as the Evans Gambit. This move is a pawn sacrifice designed to gain control of the center and create pressure on Black's position. By attacking the Bishop on c5, White forces the response b6 or b5, which typically moves the Bishop away from the c5-square, creating opportunities for White to move their Queen to that square. Moreover, the move b4 exposes the Black pawn structure and limits the mobility of their Bishop on c5. However, accepting the gambit can lead to a disadvantageous position if Black is unable to defend accurately. Hence, b4 is a crucial move in the Evans Gambit, designed to create pressure and compromise Black's defensive capabilities.

When facing the Evans Gambit, Black often responds to 4.b4 with 4...b5. This move is designed to gain control of the c4 and d3-squares, forcing White's Bishop back to b3 rather than developing to a more active square. Additionally, b5 advances a pawn and supports the Bishop on c5, which is an essential piece in Black's defenses. This move also limits the mobility of White's pawn on b4, preventing it from advancing any further and potentially creating weaknesses in White's pawn structure. Moreover, the move b5 can open up lines for Black's Queen and Rook on the a8-h1 diagonal. Therefore, b5 is a strong counter-move against the Evans Gambit, aimed at improving Black's defensive position and limiting White's development.