Note: This is not professional chess, but amateur chess-play experience shared by the writer.
You just can never not have a plan and expect to win. Same as life, this is true for chess as well! It is said that even having the worst plan is better than having no plan. If you don’t have a plan, your pieces will move randomly and lead to defeat.
Having a plan represents you having a purpose, and checkmating your opponent is your purpose on the chessboard. Only strategic thinking will get you closer to that, or it will be the other way ‘round.
Checkmating the opponent’s king requires coordinated attacks by your pieces – from minor (knights and bishops) to major (Queen and Rooks) to even pawns and pawn chains. Last and not the least, with its limited movement, your king too can play attacking role in endgames!
That’s not all, but plan requires to be executed in order – one slip-up of this course may turn around the game! Chess is a game of one move – a blunder and a brilliant move makes all the difference.
For having a plan, you don’t need to have a huge database of games in your memory. Neither do you need grandmaster-level of understanding chess. As well, the plan does not necessarily have to be for an entire game – that’s for the grandmasters.
Even a flawed plan will give you directions within the game! it provides structure and offers opportunities for learning and adaptability. In the process, you get to refine your thinking and improve over time.
Just start with a plan for your first move. In openings, you want to control the center and open squares in front of your bishops and queen. Remember the basic principles and develop pieces at first. Make sure they are coordinating with each other, and build your attack.
While you are attacking, keep an eye on king safety. It is usually better to castle within 10 moves! Defense should be simultaneously considered within your plan. Your pursuit should be keeping a balance between both attack and defense.
Once you have moved your king from the center, follow up and build momentum. Avoid hanging pieces and doubling pawns as much possible! Watch out for opponent’s traps and never give away pieces for free. Exercise your patience and remain aware of the entire board before playing each move.
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Have faith in your instincts and be flexible to alter your plan with each next move. Always watch out on what your opponent is trying to do. Play to your opponent’s terms only if you have a plan for an outcome favoring you.
Don’t be casual when you’re ahead, and don’t fade away when you’re behind. Explore your plan as per the current position of the board. Make sure to check out all the possibilities. Go for the best moves and see your plans to fruition.
All of these will come together only if you have a plan to start with, at least for the first move. Remember to stick to your plan, but remain flexible. Ensure balance between attack and defense, and enjoy playing thrilling games.
Use ‘having a plan’ as a drive to unleash your wit into the chessboard, and keep it up.
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Writer’s Inspiration: I wanted to initiate discussion on having a plan while playing chess.
How do you plan for your chess games? Share in comments!
Read Why Physical Board Beats Virtuality.
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About the Writer: He is a professional writer and a passionate student of chess.
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