Concept

Plan

You might say: middlegame plan, strategic plan

A short, flexible sequence that connects the next move to what the position needs: a threat, improvement, pawn break, or favorable change.

What it does

Converts an evaluation into an order of operations, while forcing re-evaluation after the opponent responds.

Ask

What is the opponent threatening, what is my best improvement, and which change favors my strengths?

Typical

Often two or three moves; re-evaluate after every opponent move.

Trouble

A plan ignores the opponent, pushes automatically, or treats a general rule as a substitute for concrete calculation.

Catalogue: Named plans

• Minority attack: Use a smaller pawn group against a larger pawn majority to force a favorable structural weakness, classically in the Carlsbad structure. A smaller pawn group attacking a larger majority defines it; the Carlsbad structure is only its classic setting.
• Carlsbad e3-e4 central break: Prepare the e3-e4 central break, usually with f3, to gain space in the center.
• Pillsbury Attack: Plant a knight on e5, support it with f2-f4, and usually build a kingside attack.

Connections

• See also: Pawn structure
• Raises: Prophylaxis
• Raises: Worst piece

Sources

1. Waleed Naeem, How to Make a Plan in the Chess Middlegame, How to Make a Plan in the Chess MiddlegameA plan connects your next move to the needs of the position.
2. Waleed Naeem, How to Make a Plan in the Chess Middlegame, Begin With the Opponent's ThreatBefore planning, identify checks, captures, pawn breaks, and pieces that may invade. A plan that ignores the opponent is only a wish.
3. Waleed Naeem, How to Make a Plan in the Chess Middlegame, Create a Short PlanA useful plan may be only two or three moves: double rooks, improve a knight, and prepare a break. Re-evaluate after every opponent move.

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