Chess Patterns ❯ Control of Center ❯ Open Center

Open Center

An Open Center occurs when there are few or no pawns blocking the central squares (d4, d5, e4, e5). An open center (like the one in the diagram above) often leads to dynamic play with many tactical opportunities, as pieces can easily move through the central squares. Many factors may determine who is favored by an open center.

Ideas for when the Center is Open: (1) Develop your pieces rapidly, especially long-range ones like Bishops and Rooks, (2) Limit your opponent's mobility by controlling the central squares, (3) Watch out for combinations and sacrifices, as open positions can be highly tactical, (4) Ensure your King's safety, (5) In the endgame, centralize your King as soon as possible.

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Master the Open Center

When we started adding a playful touch to chess learning, we looked through thousands of videos and hundreds of books to find the best resources out there. Here's our curated selection of the best content we encountered on positions where the Center is Open. We also included some smaller creators who are growing fast and we believe deserve your attention. Check out these resources if you want to master this type of center.

How to play chess in open center positions?
This lesson by Jozarov’s chess channel is a complete introduction for beginners and intermediates on how to deal with Open Center positions.

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Open Center Positions | Chess Middlegames
In the context of several lessons about pawn structures, Hanging Pawns created this excellent video about the Open Center. Don’t miss it.

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Open, Closed, Semi-open Games*
The major differences between Open and Closed centers are examined in this instructive lesson. Don’t forget to try the chess.com challenges connected to the video.

WATCH ON CHESS.COM
Complete Book of Chess Strategy*
Another excellent chess book from a truly passionate master. Jeremy Silman breaks down complex concepts with incredible clarity, including the open center. Whether you're a novice or an intermediate, this book is a must-have.

GET IT ON AMAZON
The Silicon Road to Chess Improvement*
This fascinating new book by Matthew Sadler offers a unique approach to training and improvement using chess engines. Ideal for intermediate and advanced players.

GET IT ON AMAZON