What is Centre in chess?
The four central squares d4, d5, e4, and e5 - the most important real estate on the board.
Pieces that control the centre influence more of the board and can reach either flank quickly. Most opening principles revolve around fighting for or controlling the central squares.
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- FlankThe queenside (a through d files) or kingside (e through h files) wings of the board.
- Square colourEach bishop is permanently locked to either light squares or dark squares for the whole game.
- BlunderA move that throws away material or the game, usually for nothing.
- ForkOne piece attacking two or more enemy pieces at the same time.
- PinA piece can't move because doing so would expose a more valuable piece behind it.
- SkewerLike a pin in reverse: a valuable piece is attacked and must move, exposing a piece behind it.