The Kupreichik Variation is a variation of the Center Game, catalogued as ECO C22. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. d4 exd4 3. Qxd4 Nc6 4. Qe3 Nf6 5. Nc3 Bb4 6. Bd2 O-O 7. O-O-O Re8 8. Bc4 d6 9. Nh3, reaching the position shown below after 17 half-moves.
White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at four minor pieces each. It is Black to move after nine moves. The kings have gone to opposite wings (White queenside, Black kingside), which usually means both sides attack with pawns and the faster attack wins.
On the Center Game generally: ECO C20. A chess opening with 18 known variations.
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See all 4 Center Game variations →
The Kupreichik Variation goes 1. e4 e5 2. d4 exd4 3. Qxd4 Nc6 4. Qe3 Nf6 5. Nc3 Bb4 6. Bd2 O-O 7. O-O-O Re8 8. Bc4 d6 9. Nh3. It is a variation of the Center Game and is catalogued as ECO C22.
The Kupreichik Variation is ECO C22. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Center Game.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. d4 exd4 3. Qxd4 Nc6 4. Qe3 Nf6 5. Nc3 Bb4 6. Bd2 O-O 7. O-O-O Re8 8. Bc4 d6 9. Nh3 at -0.76 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for Black. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.
White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at four minor pieces each. It is Black to move. The kings have gone to opposite wings (White queenside, Black kingside), which usually means both sides attack with pawns and the faster attack wins.