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Worksheet: Center Squares First

Topic: center | Level: 1 | Week 1

Learn why e4, d4, e5, and d5 are the most important squares early in the game.

Why This Matters

  • The center squares (e4, d4, e5, d5) help your pieces move to more places quickly.
  • When you control the center, your knights and bishops become active and your attacks are easier.
  • If you ignore the center, your opponent usually gets more space and a simpler plan.

Objectives

  • Name the four center squares.
  • Understand how center control gives pieces more options.
  • Play opening moves that fight for the center.

Practice Tasks

  1. Circle the center squares on the printed board.
  2. Write one White move and one Black move that fight for the center.
  3. Explain in one sentence why the center is useful.

Board Walkthrough

Follow the lesson one board at a time. The teacher answer key includes the move list.

Board 1
Board 2
Board 3
Board 4
Board 5

Answer Key

Center Squares First

Teacher/parent key for Worksheet: Center Squares First.

Worksheet Answers

  1. Prompt: Circle the center squares on the printed board.

    Center squares: e4, d4, e5, d5.

  2. Prompt: Write one White move and one Black move that fight for the center.

    Example moves: e4 and e5 (or d4 and d5).

  3. Prompt: Explain in one sentence why the center is useful.

    Center control gives pieces more space and better movement.

Model Line

  1. e4
  2. e5
  3. Nf3
  4. Nc6