visayanbraindoctor: Refreshing to see Naka play such an opening.
In Qatar open, GM Halkias held Kramnik to a draw.
S Halkias vs Kramnik, 2014
Two former world champions could not beat this old romantic era gambit. And Anand must have studied it after Kasparov squashed him in this miniature Kasparov vs Anand, 1995
These indicate that the Evans is not an unsound opening.
Perhaps we will see more of the Evans in top level tournaments in the near future.
If one goes back to games played in the 19th century, the Evans was in some kind of vogue for several years, even decades, in the top chess events. The gambits then tell us that the masters of that time placed great emphasis on tempo, open lines, initiative, attack, and the sacs and combinations that can secure such advantages. I find it puzzling why there are comments by kibitzers that pawn and and exchange sacrifices were not well understood in the past. The masters of the romantic era certainly knew (and frequently applied) the art of sacrifice, combination, and attack.
Naka should do more of this stuff. Will be interesting if other top GMs would add the Evans to their repertoire, even if only as a surprise opening.
Kibitzing
