Space

The more space you control on the board, the more room your pieces have to maneuver and we can use, and the less space your opponent has. A great way to claim space is to put your pawns in the center.

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Black's knight on c5 is adding pressure to White's center. White is hoping to attack the knight and grab space with b4. How can Black prevent this idea and grab space?

Black grabs space and adds protection to b4. White plays a3, hoping to play b4 again. Can you find a strong space-gaining move that prevents White's idea?

White insists on playing b4 anyway - play the best move!