Chess Openings

Center Game: Hall Variation

ECO C22 ยท Center Game

The Center Game: Hall Variation (C22) is a chess opening in the Center Game family, played by White. It arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. d4 exd4 3. Qxd4 Nc6 4. Qc4.

Moves: 1. e4 e5 2. d4 exd4 3. Qxd4 Nc6 4. Qc4

About this opening

The Hall Variation (3.Qxd4 Nc6 4.Qc4) drops the queen back to c4 rather than e3, eyeing the f7 point and keeping different developmental options. The queen, however, stays exposed to tempo gains, and Black equalizes with natural, energetic development. It is a secondary line of the Center Game, seeking to avoid the usual schemes of the Paulsen Attack.

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