Why is controlling the centre important in chess?

Controlling the centre matters because pieces placed in the middle reach more squares and can swing to either side of the board quickly. A knight in the centre attacks up to eight squares, while one in the corner reaches only two. Central pawns also cramp the opponent and open lines for your bishops and queen. The player who dominates the centre usually dictates where the action happens and can attack on a wing while the opponent struggles to reorganise. This is why classic opening advice tells you to fight for the four central squares from the very first move.