Openings
What is a pawn center in chess?
- Opening
- Plans
- Move Order
Pawn center is an opening term: pawn centre. A player's pawns in the center of the board. Pawns on the squares adjacent to the center may also be considered part of the pawn center. Having a strong pawn center was considered absolutely essential until the hypermodernist school introduced some new ideas. Often shortened to center. Learn the plan, pawn structure, and typical piece placement behind the term, not just the name.
What to look for on the board
- Development, center control, and king safety.
- The pawn break each side wants.
- Whether a move creates a familiar structure.
Related terms
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