Introduction

Mikhail Chigorin is often quoted as saying, "Even a poor plan is better than no plan at all." Kotov tells us that a plan is essential and that "Every master makes a plan for the middlegame after the first six to eight moves." but what is a plan and how does one make effective plans during a chess game?

Kasparov defines a plan as being "a well-considered order of operations aimed at achieving a definite and concrete objective, the order taking into account the situation on the chessboard and constantly modified by the opponent's actions."

He continues, "The plan is built up on the basis of a concrete evaluation of the position and its peculiarities. Therefore, it is important to be able to analyse the fighting formations of both sides and to understand all the subtleties of the position."

Evaluating the Position

So, if we are to believe Kasparov, the plan we eventually chose will be based on our evaluation of the position. Therefore, we need to begin by analysing the position on the chessboard in front of us, examining the strengths and weaknesses for both sides.

We need to look at:

King safety

Material balance

Possible tactics

Space and the centre

Piece placement and mobility

Pawn structure

Control of important files or squares

King Safety

When assessing the relative safety of both kings we need to take into account the following things:

• Are both kings safely castled behind a barrier of pawns, or is one (or both) exposed or restricted?
• Do either Kings have enemy pieces near or aimed towards them?
• Do the Kings have sufficient defenders near them?
• Do open or potentially open lines lead towards either of the Kings?
• Are safe flight squares available for the Kings?

• Does one side own pieces of greater value than the other?
• Does each piece's activity (or lack of it) modify the point count?

• Are there any tactical opportunities available in the position?
• Does either side have any tactical weaknesses that can be exploited?
• Can weaknesses in the position be forced or induced?

Space and the Centre

• Which side controls the most territory in the centre and on either wings of the board?

• Are all the pieces safe, active and mobile and are they co-ordinated?

• Are there any weaknesses in the pawn structure such as isolated, doubled or backward pawns?
• Do any holes exist in the pawn structure?
• Are the pawns mobile or blocked?

Control of Important Files or Squares

"The files and diagonals act as pathways for your pieces, while squares act as homes." - Silman

• Which side controls the squares around the King?
• Which side controls other important files and diagonals?
• Is it possible to exchange or deflect controlling pawns or pieces?

It is important not to overlook the small details which may, at first glance, seem insignificant (As Kasparov says, "the subtleties of the position"). For example, a pinned enemy piece may be all that is needed for a successful attack.

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