Controlling the Center ?

Hi. I somewhat understand the concept of controlling the center (directly or indirectly), but in general, if given free space and time should you advance your pawns to D5/E5 to also put pressure on the 6th rank?  Does this weaken your center?  Is control of the center strickly the center or controlling squares advanced of the center (namely with pawns) just as good, better, worse or simply weakening your control?

I'm sure this is only an issue because I am playing inferior players like myself, who lack understanding but many times I can just move up and occupy D5, E5 or both with my pawns plus development because an opponent seems scared to play anything in the center.  Wasn't sure if my play advancing up the middle made sense or not, and it's tough to judge because the players are usually so poor I'm going to win regardless of how sound I'm playing.  Just trying to understand the concept of the center better with this question.  Thanks for any insights.

It's hard to say. It's the part of chess where judgment comes in. You must think if advancing your pawn gains anything. Does it pass your pawn? Does it put pressure on your opponents defence? Does it weaken your own defence and enable your opponent to strike back? Are you able to defend that pawn adequately? You must assess each individual situation. You will learn to do this in time. Hope this helps.

I appreciate the response.  I may be chasing a ghost here and I should simply recognize that it is a situational matter and there is no definitive principle or theory outside of the normal considerations, some of which you kindly brought up.  Thanks, I seem to be in a constant struggle of not knowing what is "established" and what is discretion.

The idea of controlling the center is a little abstract. Can be controlled by pieces occupying or pieces attacking the squares. Its just a way to establish your dominance so that you can easily control more space and easily switch your attack to the wings. The center is always the center and not the middle advancing.

Exactly, you've got to look at each position on its own. As you play more you'll get more of a feel for the correct position. And of course if your willing to devote time to study then your understanding of the game will improve significantly. You find yourself looking at a position thinking, "I've seen this before."

I always advance the pawns as far as possible, because it limits the opponent's options.

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I talked to the police a little while ago, they left in quite a hurry, check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoYF5BvUvHo

As you become stronger chess players. You will begin to realize. It is actually better in most cases to leave your pawns side by side as long as possible. You will learn to find out you don't want to advance them willingly.

You want your opponent to try and pressure you to move them. An if they do not you will just leave them there. It can be very crushing to do that.

If you watch some strong players play. You will notice they will try and keep the pawns side by side as long as possible. Often they will keep the pawn dou there until they feel is the right time to strike. Until that time they sit back and let there space advantage and pawn power be felt.

Advancing your pawns just to get space can be a mistake. She didn't have to play that move 6...d4. It wasn't a book move. She tryed to gain space. An ended up allowing me a knight jump which won me a piece. I could of been more precise. However, I didn't care becuase she didn't have no play against me. She was pure defense.

You convinced me.  You sound like a real horse's ass.  What kind of meds were  you supposed to have been taking and why did you spit them out?

Well I did watch the video. I did not understand what he was protesting about. He was disturbing the travel is what the officer said I believe. Which makes his protesting rather dumb. However, its his personal choice. If that is how he wants to his life to be like. I guess its his decision.

Indeed they sure did leave in a hurry! Makes no sense at all.