In the centre, chess tactics excited and delighted (8)
I believe the answer is:
ecstatic
'delighted' is the definition.
(both can mean very happy)
I don't understand the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for ecstatic that I've seen before include "Euphoric" , "Emotionally exalted" , "Overjoyed, over the moon" , "Cock-a-hoop" , "Cites act to be delighted" .)