Editing Chess strategy (section)

===Control of the center===
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|pl|pl|pl|pl|pl|pl|pl|pl
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|Center squares are marked by "X".
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The strategy consists of placing pieces so that they attack the central four squares of the board. A piece being placed on a central square, however, does not necessarily mean it controls the center; e.g., a knight on a central square does not attack any central squares. Conversely, a piece does not have to be on a central square to control the center. For example, the bishop can control the center from afar.

Control of the center is generally considered important because tactical battles often take place around the central squares, from where pieces can access most of the board. Center control allows more movement and more possibility for attack and defense.

Chess openings try to control the center while developing pieces. [[Hypermodernism (chess)|Hypermodern]] openings are those that control the center with pieces from afar (usually the side, such as with a [[fianchetto]]); the older Classical (or Modern) openings control it with pawns.
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