Strategy  ·  Lesson 81 of 92

The Center Rules

Why do all classical openings fight for e4, d4, e5, d5?

Choose the right answer

  1. Tradition only
  2. Pieces in the center control the most squares and reach both wings
  3. The center squares score points
  4. Pawns move faster there
Show the answer

Pieces in the center control the most squares and reach both wings

A knight in the center controls 8 squares; in the corner, just 2. Central control = mobility = power.

Practise this on a live board

This lesson is one of 92 in the Grandmaster Academy — every one playable, with the pieces moving under your hand.

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