An unbroken century stand by Ian Bell and Jonathan Trott put Warwickshire in a strong position in their game against second division promotion rivals Sussex at Hove.
After winning the toss, Warwickshire openers Will Rhodes and Dom Sibley added 96 and although both fell shortly before lunch the leaders were in no mood to surrender their advantage on an easy-paced pitch.
Sibley (44) was caught at midwicket off left-arm spinner Danny Briggs and Rhodes played on to David Wiese for 50.
Bell passed 1,000 first-class runs when he reached six and by tea he had progressed to 59, his 50 including a six off medium-pacer Tom Haines who later had to go off with an ankle injury.
Trott, in his final away game before retirement, was unbeaten on 45 with Warwickshire 213 for 2, the third wicket pair having put on 111.
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