Chess isn’t just calculation, it’s decision-making.

A plan in chess is looking ahead multiple moves.

Create a fantasy position in your head to aim for, even if you don’t know how the game is going to get there.

Most games are won by the player with the more clear plan.

Defining a Plan

A plan is a long-term idea based on the current position. It involves making goals, such as

• Control the open file
• Improve a piece
• Open the position
• Grab the bishop pair
• Target a weakness

We must have plans in place, especially when you get into the 1100-1200 range. This is when people stop making one move game-losing blunders.

An example plan may look like this: Place a rook on the open file, double the rooks, and penetrate to the 7th rank.

This plan may not be possible at this exact moment. Maybe you need to open a file first, or remove a key defender of the square to place your rook. While navigating your plan, you will also have to respond to threats of your opponent. Each of your moves, should be bringing your position together with your plan.

A Bad Plan is Better than No Plan

Random good-looking moves can be dangerous. You can easily drift into a worse position if you’re playing standard, good-looking moves.

“Improving your worst piece” is an okay 1-move plan. But there must be more for a plan. Sometimes improving your worst piece takes away a key tempo to make a solid plan. Don’t rely too heavily on this advice.

A plan creates consistency. Your position is easier to play when all your moves have a goal. Use your opponent’s time to think bigger picture on a plan.

If it turns out your plan was no good, learn from it and improve it for next time.

Tactics vs Plans

Tactical Sequence	Strategic Plan
Short term (1-3 moves)	Long term (5-15 moves)
Based on concrete threats	Based on positional features
Example: fork, pin, checkmate	Example: Improve knight, fix weak pawns

First look at tactical sequences. Strategic plans are longer-term and can be many moves.

Very often planning happens in the middlegame, but can also involve endgame planning.

Planning Checklist

Positional elements to consider while planning:

• Pawn structure
• King safety
• Piece activity
• Material Imbalances
• Weak Squares & Files
• Opponent’s ideas

Planning is diagnosing the position and choosing the right goal.

Conclusion

Planning is absolutely essential in chess. Games are often won by the player with the clearest plan. To improve your planning, check out our free calculation course, and put it to use today.

This post was taken from a YouTube video. Watch the full video below.