Understands the value of controlling the centre squares.
4 steps · 2 exercises
What's in this lesson?
Understands the value of controlling the centre squares.
The four squares in the middle of the board, d4, e4, d5 and e5, are the centre. Pieces in the centre reach every part of the board faster and control more squares.
That's why the first goal in the opening is to take the centre. Push a centre pawn two squares: e4 or d4.
Look at these two knights: the knight in the centre can go to eight squares, the one in the corner to only two. There's a saying in chess: a knight on the rim is dim.
After 1.e4 e5, White can develop the knight towards the centre and attack the e5 pawn. Bring the knight to f3.