Center Game: Kieseritzky Variation
ECO C21 ยท Center Game
The Center Game: Kieseritzky Variation (C21) is a chess opening in the Center Game family, played by White. It arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. d4 exd4 3. Nf3 c5 4. Bc4.
Moves: 1. e4 e5 2. d4 exd4 3. Nf3 c5 4. Bc4
About this opening
The Kieseritzky Variation (3.Nf3 c5 4.Bc4) forgoes recapturing the d4 pawn at once in favor of active piece development and targeting f7, turning the Center Game into a gambit. White banks on the initiative and open lines in compensation for the pawn. It is a romantic, tactical approach that favors quick development over immediate material recovery.