Center control means holding the four middle squares, e4, d4, e5 and d5, by standing on them or by attacking them with pawns and pieces.
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A piece in the centre reaches more squares than a piece on the edge. A knight on e4 reaches eight squares; on a4 it reaches four. The side that controls the centre can move pieces to either wing faster.
How to do it
- 1In the opening, put a pawn in the centre and develop knights towards it.
- 2Answer an attack on the wing by striking in the centre.
- 3Do not push central pawns so far that pieces must defend them.
For your level
The middle four squares are the best. Put a pawn there early. Bring your knights towards the middle.
Common mistakes
- Grabbing a pawn on the wing while the opponent takes the centre.
- Pushing central pawns so far that they need pieces to defend them.
Questions
- Do I have to put pawns in the centre?
- No. Some openings let the opponent build a pawn centre and then attack it with pieces and pawn breaks. What you cannot do is ignore the centre.
- Which squares are the centre in chess?
- e4, d4, e5 and d5. The ring of squares around them, from c3 to f6, is often called the extended centre.