Pieces & Activity
What is a center in chess?
- Pieces
- Activity
- Coordination
Center is a piece-play concept: centre. The four squares in the middle of the board. Sometimes short for pawn center. A king "in the center" can refer to an uncastled king on a center file. Ask whether the piece is active, coordinated, and serving a real plan.
What to look for on the board
- Your least active piece.
- Open lines and strong squares.
- Whether pieces coordinate on the same target.
Free game review
See where center decides your games
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