Centre Game: 3.Qxd4 Nc6 4.Qe3 is variation 6 of 6 in the Danish Gambit and Centre Game course, a intermediate opening course for White (ECO C22). It runs 22 moves and begins 1. e4 e5 2. d4 exd4 3. Qxd4 Nc6 4. Qe3 Nf6 …. Instead of the gambit, White takes back with the queen. After 3...Nc6 the queen goes to e3. White castles long, and both sides race. It is a calm but tricky choice. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. e4 – White takes the centre.
1... e5 – Black takes an equal share.
2. d4 – White opens the centre.
2... exd4 – Black takes the pawn.
3. Qxd4 – The Centre Game. White takes back with the queen at once.
3... Nc6 – Black develops with tempo against the queen.
4. Qe3 – The Paulsen Attack. The queen stays central and eyes the e-file.
4... Nf6 – Black develops and attacks e4.
5. Nc3 – White protects e4 and develops.
5... Bb4 – Black pins the c3 knight and hits e4 again.
6. Bd2 – White breaks the pin and gets ready to castle long.
6... O-O – Black castles.
7. O-O-O – White castles long. The rook on d1 hits the d-file at once.
7... Re8 – Black hits the e4 pawn again.
8. Bc4 – White develops and aims at f7.
8... d6 – Black protects the centre and frees the c8 bishop.
The lesson goes on for 6 more moves, each with its explanation.
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