Exercise 2.1Find the move
White to move
White to move. Find the strongest move.
2
Chess Strategy: Imbalances and Plans · Kapilash Chess Academy
The Fight for the Centre
Occupy it, control it, or attack it
In this lesson you will learn
- Why the centre matters
- The classical centre and the hypermodern answer
- When to support your centre and when to advance it
- How to attack a pawn centre
Every board on this page is live. Move the pieces by tapping or dragging, click any move in the lines to see that position, and press ↺ to start again.
2.1 Why the Centre?
Pieces in the centre control more squares and can reach either wing quickly. A player who controls the centre can switch the attack from one side to the other; a player without it must defend on both.
2.2 The Big Centre and the Pressure Against It
Diagram 2.1Black to move
The Exchange Grünfeld
White has built the classical centre with pawns on d4 and e4. Black has not tried to occupy the centre with pawns; instead his pieces — the bishop on g7, the knight on c6, the c5-pawn — all attack d4. This is the hypermodern idea.
The fight is clear: White wants to keep the centre and later push d5 or attack on the kingside; Black wants to make d4 a target. A big centre is strong only as long as it can be supported.
2.3 Space in an Open Centre
Diagram 2.2Black to move
The Scotch with e5 and c4
White has pushed e5 and c4. The e5-pawn takes away f6 and d6 from Black’s pieces, and c4 drives the knight away from its central post.
White has more space in the centre and Black’s pieces must find other squares. Black is not worse, but must look for counterplay against the advanced pawns, especially e5.
Remember
- Pieces in the centre are strongest.
- A pawn centre is strong when it is well supported, and a target when it is not.
- Hypermodern idea: control the centre with pieces and attack it from the side.
- Advanced central pawns gain space but must be defended.
Exercises · Lesson 2
Every exercise has been checked with a chess engine. Find the best move or choose the right plan.
Exercise 2.2Find the move
Black to move
Black to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 2.3Find the move
White to move
White to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 2.4Find the move
Black to move
Black to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 2.5Find the move
Black to move
Black to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 2.6Find the move
White to move
White to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 2.7Find the move
White to move
White to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 2.8Find the move
Black to move
Black to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 2.9Find the move
White to move
White to move. Find the strongest move.