Center Game:

The Center Game is an opening for White that beings with 1.e4 e5 2. d4.  White challenges the center immediately with another pawn trying to create open lines and seize an early attacking opportunity. The game usually continues 3.Qxd4 Nc6, developing with a gain of tempo due to the attack on the white queen. (Note that 3.c3 is considered a separate opening: the Danish Gambit.)

     

Here is a list of the 4 most popular continuations in the Center Game:

a) Paulsen Attack
b) Semi Danish Gambit
c) Full Danish Gambit
d) Kieseritzky Variation
 

Paulsen Attack

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Semi Danish Gambit

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Full Danish Gambit

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Kieseritzky Variation

Famous Games with the Center Game:

1) Paulsen Attack - Munoz Pantoja, M. vs Trepat Herranz, J.
2) Semi Danish Gambit- Amerkeshev, M vs Amanov, Z.
3) Full Danish Gambit - Vassalam, M. vs Mirzoev, A.
4) Kieseritzky Variation - Illingworth, M. vs Kovacs, Ga2