Center Game: Kupreichik Variation position after 1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4 3.Qxd4 Nc6 4.Qe3 Nf6 5.Nc3 Bb4 6.Bd2 O-O 7.O-O-O Re8 8.Bc4 d6 9.Nh3. White: bishop on c4, pawn on e4, knight on c3, queen on e3, knight on h3, pawn on a2, pawn on b2, pawn on c2, bishop on d2, pawn on f2, pawn on g2, pawn on h2, king on c1, rook on d1, rook on h1. Black: rook on a8, bishop on c8, queen on d8, rook on e8, king on g8, pawn on a7, pawn on b7, pawn on c7, pawn on f7, pawn on g7, pawn on h7, knight on c6, pawn on d6, knight on f6, bishop on b4.
Center Game: Kupreichik Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4 3.Qxd4 Nc6 4.Qe3 Nf6 5.Nc3 Bb4 6.Bd2 O-O 7.O-O-O Re8 8.Bc4 d6 9.Nh3. It is classified C22 in the ECO system, and the position after these moves has black to move. The Center Game opens the centre at once with 2.d4. After 2...exd4 3.Qxd4 the queen comes out early and is chased by Nc6, so White typically retreats to e3 and castles queenside for an attacking setup.
Strategic character
Sharp and unbalanced, at the cost of early queen exposure. White plays for a direct attack with opposite-side castling; Black plays against the exposed queen and generally equalises with accurate play.
Who should play it
Attacking players who value practical chances and surprise over objective evaluation.
This line is a variation within the Center Game family. The strategic ideas above describe the family as a whole; this particular line reaches them by the move order 1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4 3.Qxd4 Nc6 4.Qe3 Nf6 5.Nc3 Bb4 6.Bd2 O-O 7.O-O-O Re8 8.Bc4 d6 9.Nh3.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Center Game: Kupreichik Variation?
The Center Game: Kupreichik Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4 3.Qxd4 Nc6 4.Qe3 Nf6 5.Nc3 Bb4 6.Bd2 O-O 7.O-O-O Re8 8.Bc4 d6 9.Nh3. It is classified C22 in the ECO system. The Center Game opens the centre at once with 2.d4. After 2...exd4 3.Qxd4 the queen comes out early and is chased by Nc6, so White typically retreats to e3 and castles queenside for an attacking setup.
What are the moves of the Center Game: Kupreichik Variation?
1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4 3.Qxd4 Nc6 4.Qe3 Nf6 5.Nc3 Bb4 6.Bd2 O-O 7.O-O-O Re8 8.Bc4 d6 9.Nh3. After these moves it is black to move.
Is the Center Game: Kupreichik Variation good for beginners?
Attacking players who value practical chances and surprise over objective evaluation.