Control of Key Square

Identifying and Controlling Key Squares | Strategy Session with Jonathan Schrantz

Take a look at this in-depth lesson by GM Schrantz for the Saint Louis Chess Club and get a feeling of what Key Squares are and how to work with them in the middlegame. For intermediate players.

Lessons in chess strategy: how to gain ownership of key squares

This video by Irina Krush is a really clear, slow-paced, step-by-step explanation of how to identify Key Squares and create the right plan around them.

When to Trade Pieces 5: To Control Key Squares!*

This Chess.com lesson is part of yet another excellent series by GM Bojkov. The series is about “trading pieces,” and this episode is particularly focused on Key Squares. For intermediates and experts.

Chess Strategy for Club Players: The Road to Positional Advantage*

An excellent book by Herman Grooten that gives a comprehensive introduction to the most important positional concepts, including the control of key squares. Don’t miss this. Follow all the moves with ease thanks to the interactive e-book reader.

Small Steps to Giant Improvement*

This book by Sam Shankland is a deep dive into pawn structures. The author does a wonderful job explaining all of their nuances (including the way in which they determine the control of key squares). For serious players only.