Every move, every game
The six-step decision process
Classify
Is the position open, closed, semi-open, dynamic or quiet? The type sets the kind of plan.
Evaluate
Read material, pawn structure, king safety and piece activity—in that order.
Generate
Choose three candidate moves, including one you would not normally consider.
Eliminate
Test each candidate against the opponent’s strongest reply. Discard the ones that fail.
Review
After the game, note which step you skipped. Improve the process, not just the move.
Classify first
Five positions, five priorities
Visual chess lesson
Contest the open file
Which file determines the activity of both rooks?
Reveal the explanation
The e-file is completely open. Both rooks contest it, so control depends on exchanges, entry squares and whether another rook can be doubled behind the first.
4r1k1/8/8/8/8/8/8/4R1K1 w - - 0 1 ↗Open
Open lines and active pieces mean tactics arrive quickly. Prioritise king safety, coordination and concrete calculation.
Closed
Locked pawn chains reward preparation. Improve pieces and prepare the pawn break on the side where you have space.
Semi-open
Some pawn lines have opened while others remain closed. Use the open and semi-open files and decide whether the position should be opened further or kept under control.
Dynamic
An unstable imbalance rewards initiative. Act while your activity matters, but verify every forcing line.
Quiet
With no immediate threats, improve the worst piece, reinforce a weakness or prepare a useful break.
Plans come from features
Evaluate four things
Visual chess lesson
Knight outpost
What makes d5 a durable square for the knight?
Reveal the explanation
The knight is supported by the c4-pawn and Black has no c- or e-pawn available to challenge d5. That makes d5 an outpost.
6k1/8/8/3N4/2P5/8/8/6K1 w - - 0 1 ↗Material
Count rather than guess. Ahead usually favours exchanges; behind usually favours keeping pieces and creating complications.
Pawn structure
Find isolated, doubled, backward and passed pawns. Permanent weaknesses make long-term targets.
King safety
Open lines or missing defenders around either king may override every slower consideration.
Piece activity
Find the piece with the fewest useful squares or no role. Improving it is often the plan.
One useful sentence can be enough: equal material; their c-pawn is weak; kings are safe; my knight is misplaced.
Strategic tools
What to do when nothing is forced
Improve the worst piece
Give your least useful piece a destination and a route. A small activity gain is a real plan.
Use prophylaxis
Ask what your opponent wants next and remove the idea before starting your own plan.
Prepare a pawn break
A break changes the structure. Support it with pieces first; play it when the timing works.
Occupy an outpost
Route a knight to a square no enemy pawn can challenge. Permanent squares justify patient manoeuvring.
Apply the principle of two weaknesses
Fix one target, create another on the opposite wing, then switch faster than the defence can reorganise.