The Italian centre

Choose a central plan while completing development.

By CoachMate. Published: .

Two starting positions. One teaching goal.

Position 1

White to move
Build with c3

Ask: What supports a future d4 advance?

Show FENr1bqk2r/pppp1ppp/2n2n2/2b1p3/2B1P3/2P2N2/PP1P1PPP/RNBQK2R w KQkq - 1 5

Position 2

White to move
A quieter centre

Ask: Which piece still needs a useful square?

Show FENr1bqk2r/pppp1ppp/2n2n2/2b1p3/2B1P3/3P1N2/PPP2PPP/RNBQK2R w KQkq - 1 5
On this page

A 35-minute teaching session

  • 5 minutes: show the first board and ask every student to describe a plan before moving.
  • 10 minutes: play the first position with a short time control. Ask players to record one decision they were unsure about.
  • 10 minutes: play the second position and exchange roles. Compare how the changed position or side to move affects the plan.
  • 10 minutes: review two contrasting decisions. Let the students explain first, then demonstrate alternatives on the board.

Ask before giving the answer

  • What supports a future d4 advance?
  • Which piece still needs a useful square?

Coach's planning notes

Play both positions with colours reversed, keeping the time control constant.

Review the timing of d4 and king safety. Avoid rewarding memorized moves without an explanation.

Put it into practice

Prepare your material for free. When you are ready to teach live, Solo brings the board, chat and video into one workspace. Students enter through your private invitation links.

The Italian centre: teaching pack | CoachMate