Definition: The center is the area on the chess board with the greatest strategical significance. The 2 x 2 square consisting of d5, e5, d4, and e4 is considered to be the true center.
The 12 squares immediately adjacent are also important. The 4 x 4 square formed by c6, f6, f3, and c3 is sometimes called the extended center.
One of the primary goals in the opening is to control the center.
