Chessville
...by Chessplayers, for Chessplayers!

Today is

Site Map

If you have disabled Java for your browser, use the Site Map (linked in the header and footer).

Chessville
logo by
ChessPrints

Advertise
with
Chessville!!

Advertise to
thousands
of chess
fans for
as little
as $25.

Single insert:
$35
x4 insert:
@ $25 each.

From the
Chessville
Chess Store

Basic Opening Strategy

Opening Objectives: Control of the Center

During the opening (and often into the middlegame, and sometimes into the endgame as well!), it's important to establish your own fair share of control over the center of the board. But what is the center, and why is it important?

Strictly speaking, the center of the board refers to the center-most four squares: d4, e4, d5, and e5. The twelve squares directly adjacent to (that is, "surrounding") those four squares are also important, and could be referred to as the "extended center."

The center is important because . . . well, it's the center! It's right in the middle of the board, and therefore the most likely area of activity, at least until both sides' middlegame plans become clearer (during which, attention may shift to another area of the board).

Also, movement across the board is most likely to occur through or near the center, especially early in the game. Attack and counter-attack are likely to occur there, or at the very least, require that pieces move through the center in order to get to the area of the board where the conflict is occurring. Thus, control over the center is essential to maximum freedom and flexibility of movement all over the board, and maximum coordination of the pieces for attack or defense.

Control of the center is also inter-related with development of the pieces. You are more likely to have good squares to develop your pieces to if you have some control over the center. If your opponent is the one who has control over the center, your position will very likely be cramped and passive, and you will find it difficult to develop your pieces to good squares.

Ultimately, the player who has the most control over the center of the board during the opening phase of the game is in a better position to control the game as a whole.

Next: General Principles