Principles · 2 min read
Controlling the centre in chess: why it matters and how
The centre is d4, e4, d5 and e5. A piece there reaches more of the board: a knight on e5 attacks eight squares, a knight on a1 only two.
Controlling the centre means your pawns and pieces bear on the central squares, whether you stand on them or watch them from a distance.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4
The Scotch Game. White strikes with 3.d4; the knights on f3 and c6 both bear on d4 and e5.
Three ways to fight for the centre
- Occupy it with pawns: e4 and d4 claim space and take squares from enemy knights.
- Attack it from a distance: in the King's Indian, Black lets White build a centre, then hits it with the bishop on g7 and pawn breaks.
- Undermine it: attack the pawns that support it, such as ...c5 against d4 or ...f6 against e5.
How to measure it
Count your pieces and pawns attacking each central square, then the opponent's. More attackers usually lets you plant a piece there.
Key takeaways
- Push a centre pawn only when a pawn or piece can support it.
Frequently asked questions
- Is it always bad to give up the centre?
- No. Hypermodern openings such as the King's Indian let the opponent build a big centre on purpose, then attack it. It goes wrong only without a plan to challenge it.
- Should I play 1.e4 or 1.d4 as a beginner?
- Either is fine. 1.e4 tends to lead to open positions where tactics decide, which is good practice for calculating.
Practise the related tactics
The ideas behind this
- Center ControlControl e4, d4, e5 and d5, and your pieces have room.
- Controlling the CenterPut pawns and pieces where they reach e4, d4, e5 and d5.
- Open vs. Closed GamesTraded pawns open lines; locked pawns close them and slow the game.