Step 7: Starting Well · about 25 min
Fight for the Center
Goal: Kids know the four center squares and start the game by putting a pawn there.
You need: Demo board · One board and set per pair · Optional: four coins to mark the center squares
1 · Teach it (15 min)
Read these out loud, or put them in your own words. Show each board on screen or set it up on a demo board.
1.“Look at the four squares in the very middle of the board: d4, e4, d5 and e5. We call them the center. Whoever controls the center usually controls the game.”
👉 Put a coin on each of the four center squares.
2.“Why? Pieces in the middle can reach more squares. This knight in the center can jump to eight squares. The knight in the corner can only reach two.”
3.“So the best first moves put a pawn in the center: e4 or d4. They also open a door for your bishop and queen to come out.”
4.“If your opponent grabs the center, fight back. After e4 and e5, the knight jumps to f3 and attacks the pawn on e5. That's a developing move AND a center move.”
- Starting with edge pawns (a- or h-pawn) 'to get the rook out'.
- Moving the f-pawn early, which opens a path to your own king.
2 · Play it: Center Count (10 min)
Set up: Normal game in pairs. Each pair needs paper and a pencil.
- Play the first 6 moves each, then stop.
- Count how many of the four center squares each player attacks or stands on. One point each.
- Most points wins the round. Reset and play again, swapping colors.
3 · Practice and pass check
On iPads, kids open Student → Step 7 → Grab the Middle. On paper, print the worksheet. A kid passes by getting 2 of 3 on the pass check. The pass code for this lesson is S7-L1-YN.
Practice (3) with answers
1.Circle one of the four center squares.
Answer: d4 or e4 or d5 or e5
2.First move of the game: put a pawn in the center. Draw an arrow or write the move.
Move: e4 or d4
3.Why do pieces like the center?
- ✓They can reach more squares from there
- It's the only place they're safe
- It's a rule of chess
Pass check (3) with answers
1.Bring out a piece that attacks Black's center pawn. Draw an arrow or write the move.
Move: Nf3
2.Play a pawn move that attacks Black's center pawn on d5. Draw an arrow or write the move.
Move: c4
3.Which of these is a center square?
- a1
- ✓e4
- h8
Topic order based on: Chess for Children, Part 5 (beginning a game, planning); How to Win at Chess, ch. 2–3 (center, develop, castle); Fundamental Chess Openings (move orders only). All wording is original.