Free chess tool
Chess square control map
Play moves or paste any position, and the board shades every square each side attacks, darker where more pieces cover it. You see at a glance who owns the centre, which squares are contested and which pieces are left loose.
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How it works
- 1For every square, the chess.js rules library counts how many white and how many black pieces attack it (pawns attack diagonally, so they cover the squares in front of them on either side).
- 2Teal shading shows White's control, rose shows Black's, stripes mark squares both sides cover; the darker the square, the more pieces cover it. Toggle each side on and off.
- 3Contested squares are covered by both sides. The centre score adds up attackers on d4, e4, d5 and e5.
- 4Loose pieces are pieces that are attacked and not defended, or attacked by something cheaper: the first thing to check before every move.
How to read the map
- A big teal area means White has space; Black's pieces will struggle to find good squares there.
- A square with many attackers from one side is a safe landing spot for that side's pieces (an outpost if pawns can't chase them away).
- If a piece sits on a rose square with no teal on it, it is loose: defend it or move it.
FAQ
What does 'controlling a square' mean in chess?add
A side controls a square when one of its pieces could capture on it. Controlled squares are where your pieces can land safely and where enemy pieces can't settle.
Why does the centre matter?add
Pieces in or aiming at the centre reach more squares and can switch to either side quickly. Controlling d4, e4, d5 and e5 is the first opening principle.
Does it account for pins?add
No: a pinned piece still counts as attacking. That keeps the map simple and is how most coaches draw it; pins are taught separately in the tactics lessons.
Can I analyse a position from my own game?add
Yes. Copy the FEN from Lichess or Chess.com (Share or Export in the analysis board) and paste it below the board.