When to Close vs Open the Center: a middlegame course

Open the center when your pieces can use the lines. A closed center can give time for a different plan.

5 lessons, each followed by its own puzzle drill, then 10 themed puzzle packs.

• Open When You Are Ready — Prepare your pieces before opening central lines.
• Close When You Are Behind — Keep the center closed when opening it would help the opponent.
• Close to Storm a Wing — Check central counterplay before attacking on a wing.
• Open the Position for the Bishops — Use pawn exchanges to activate the bishops.
• Restrict the Bad Bishop — Restrict a bishop by controlling the advances of its blocking pawns.