Strategy
Control the center
The opening's first principle
The idea
The four center squares (d4, e4, d5, e5) are the most important real estate on the board. Pieces in the center reach more squares than pieces on the side. Pawns in the center occupy and control central squares directly. Almost every good opening starts with a central pawn move and develops pieces toward the center.
Example 1 of 1
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a1
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1. e4 e5 — both sides stake claims in the center. Standard, principled play.
2
Try it
Your move
Develop your knight to its best central square: Nf3.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a1
b
c
d
e
f
g
h