Center Game Accepted · C21

Main line

1. e4 e5 2. d4 exd4

Black has doubled pawns on the d-file.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 1... e5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d4, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 2. d4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e5, and frees the bishop and queen. Theory calls this the Center Game.
• 2... exd4 Takes the pawn on d4, toward the centre. Theory calls this the Center Game Accepted.

Create a free account to train this line — every note in it is already on this page; an account puts it on a board, with the plan and a drill that walks it.