The four central squares — e4, d4, e5, d5 — are the most valuable real estate on the board. Pieces in the center attack more squares. A knight in the center covers eight; on the edge it covers four. Same knight, double the reach. That's why every chess book on Earth opens with 1.e4 or 1.d4.
Controlling the center doesn't just mean putting pawns there. It means having more attackers than your opponent has defenders, by any means. Sometimes that's pawns; sometimes it's knights and bishops aimed at central squares from afar; sometimes it's a rook on an open file pressuring the middle.
If you only remember one opening rule: develop your pieces toward the center. Knights to f3 and c3, bishops to active diagonals, castle quickly, then think about a plan. Skip flank pawn moves in the opening unless you have a very specific reason for them.
One move and white claims the center. e2-e4 dominates d5 and f5 instantly.
Develop toward the middle. After 1.e4 e5, the knight goes to f3 — attacking, centralizing.
Mini-puzzle
Black just played 1...e5. Develop your knight to attack the pawn — and grab the center while you're at it.