Control The Center

Control the Center

Our first opening principle is control of the center. The center―particularly, the squares e4, d4, e5, and d5―is the most important area of the chessboard; control of the center allows more mobility for the pieces, as well as easy access to all parts of the board. Attacks in the center also tend to be the most effective. These factors often turn the opening into a fierce battle for central control between the two sides.

 
In the diagram above, White has done an excellent job in establishing control of the center. Their pawns on e4 and d4 control many key squares, while the knights on f3 and c3 are well placed to quickly jump wherever they may be needed.

Conversely, Black has played the first few moves poorly. Their pawns on a5 and h5 do not influence the center at all, and their knights on a6 and h6 are limited in their movements.