1.e4 — the open games
Centre Game
1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4 3.Qxd4ECO C21–C22
White opens the centre at once and recaptures with the queen, accepting an early …Nc6 tempo in return for quick development, opposite-side castling, and attacking chances with the Paulsen Bc4/Be3 setup.
Key ideas
- After 3…Nc6 4.Qe3 White develops with Bd2, Nc3, O-O-O and pushes the kingside pawns.
- The queen on e3 supports an aggressive setup rather than sitting exposed in the centre.
- Black equalises with fast, natural development (…Nf6, …Bb4, …d5) exploiting the early queen sortie.
Who it suits
Attacking players who like early queenside castling and a kingside pawn storm.
Add it to your repertoire.
Drill the Centre Game move by move against the board until it's second nature.
Open the trainer