What is Center?

The centre (or center) comprises the four central squares of the chessboard: d4, d5, e4, and e5. In a broader sense, the "expanded centre" includes the sixteen squares from c3 to f6. Control of the centre is one of the most fundamental principles of chess strategy, as centrally placed pieces have maximum mobility and influence. Classical chess theory emphasises occupying the centre with pawns, while hypermodern theory advocates controlling it with pieces from the flanks.