Center Game: Kieseritzky Variation

1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4 3.Nf3 · ECO C21 · Black to move

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What Center Game: Kieseritzky Variation puts on the board

Black has a one-pawn material edge; black is to move.

White has central pawns on e4; Black has central pawns on d4.

White can still castle either side; Black can still castle either side.

The d-file is half-open for White, giving that side a natural pressure lane.

Reference links and alternate move orders

Move orders

  1. 1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4 3.Nf3
  2. 1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4 3.Nf3 c5
  3. 1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4 3.Nf3 c5 4.Bc4