Category – Open Game

Opening Move Sequence – 1 e4 e5, 2 d4 exd4, 3 Qxd4

ECO Codes – C21 and C22
Center Game has a long history. It was however almost completely discarded from serious
play for most of twentieth century. However since eighties it is enjoying a revival as several
grandmasters have began to reexamine it and use it. However it is unlikely to be used much
since analysis as well as statistics indicates that Black is able to increase winning chances
considerably when playing this opening. However the statistics available are rather meager
due to the lack of tournament play featuring the opening.
Center Game falls under the category of Open Game openings that begin with 1 e4 e5. Its
ECO codes are C21 and C22.
Moves and Variations
1 e4 e5
2 d4 exd4
3 Qx d4
With the third move, White clears the center of Black’s pawns and opens the Queen’s file.
Main disadvantage as anyone familiar with opening theory will understand is the premature
development of Queen, Black by playing 3 … Nc6 will gain tempo. However, after Queen
retreats to e3 Queen can cramp the Black’s development by blocking d4. Queens can also
move to g3 and attack the weak g7 point in Black’s position White will also be able to castle
Q-side quickly in this opening.
While there is a resembles to Center Counter Defense also called Scandinavian Defense
generally this opening is not that favorable to White. When White makes the move 3 c3,
instead of capturing the pawn using the Queen a separate opening called the Danish Gambit
results.
Black’s best move is 3 … Nc6, attacking the Queen and gaining a tempo as she retreats.
White must draw back the Queen. The choice of viable squares is limited to a4 and e3 4 Qa4
resembles a reversed variation of the Scandinavian Defense opening which has the move
sequence of 1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5. However historical statistics and as well as
analysis have shown that it is not a good option for White in Center Game.
After the retreat to e3 White’s Queen can have a huge influence on the Game,
Black will reply usually replay 4… Nf6. One of the most common continuations after that will
be 5 Nc3 Bb4, 6 Bd2 0-0, 7 0-0-0 Re8. Most new analysis of the opening has concentrated on
the moves past this point.
Black can also play 4 … g6 and 4 … Bb4+ in order to maintain the initiative lost by the White.

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