Worksheet: Checkpoint - Openings and Center

Review center control and opening habits with mixed exercises.

Why This Matters

• A checkpoint helps confirm that your opening habits are becoming automatic.
• You should now recognize center fights and choose developing moves more consistently.
• If you miss a move, review the checklist and replay the model line slowly.

Practice Tasks

1. Write the four center squares from memory.
2. Pick the best move by rule: develop, center, or castle.
3. Rate your game from 1-5 on opening checklist use.

Board Evolution (One Step per Board)

Answer Key

1. Center: e4, d4, e5, d5.
2. Best moves usually develop pieces or castle in early game.
3. A strong score includes center control and king safety by move 10.