The Centre Game arises after 1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4. ECO codes: C21–C22.

History

One of the oldest openings in chess, the Centre Game directly challenges Black's e5-pawn. After 3.Qxd4 Nc6 4.Qe3 (or 4.Qa4), White has developed the queen early but lost time. The opening was popular in the 19th century but declined at the master level because the early queen exposure gives Black tempi for development.

Strategic Themes & Plans

White's early queen development is double-edged—it occupies the centre but can be attacked by Black's minor pieces. After 3.Nf3 (the Scotch), 3.c3 (the Danish Gambit), or 3.Bc4, the game takes different directions. The Centre Game should not be confused with the Saragossa Opening (1.c3).