How to Make a Plan in a Chess Game
"Success in chess requires the ability to manage a mass of diverse forces, to beat time, to capitalize on the opponent's mistakes, and to turn a disadvantage into a useful position." — Sumov
The ability to manage a mass of diverse forces is essential for every chess player—not only to coordinate them, but also to lead the battle according to a specific plan. Such a plan must always be formed with the particular circumstances of the position in mind.
Yes, the ability to manage a mass of diverse forces is essential for every chess player—not only to manage them, but also to lead the battle according to a specific plan, one formed with the particular circumstances in mind.
Example 1: Strategic Play on the Queenside
Yudovich – Klaman, Leningrad, 1947
White’s move
White has an indisputable spatial advantage. He controls the only open file — although, in truth, any immediate action along it is delayed, as Black currently dominates all the key attacking squares (e5, e6, e7). However, it's important to note that the isolated c5 pawn and White's complete control of the h2–b8 diagonal create clear conditions for a potential offensive on the queenside.
1. b4 b5 (Otherwise, b5 follows and since the b-square is under fire, white will firmly control the b-file.) 2. a4 a6 3. Ra1 Re8 4. axb5 axb5 5. Ra2! (Consistent implementation of the plan. White is preparing to conquer the a-line.) 5... Qc8 6. Rea1 Qb7 7. Qb2 Ne6 (Attract reserves to the breakthrough site) 8. Ra3 Nc7 9. Ra5 Rxa5 (9...Be8 was more persistent.) 10. Rxa5
Na6 11. Qa3 Nab8 (11... Ra8 12. Nxb5 cxb5 13. Bxb5) 12. Ra7 Qc8 13. Nxb5 cxb5
14. Bxb5 Kg7 15. Bxb8 Nxb8 16. Bxe8 Qxe8 17. b5 Bf8 18. Qe3 Qc8 (18... Qxb5 19.
Qe6) 19. Qf4 Black resigned.
So, the plan - crafted with the realistic factors of the position in mind - led to complete success!
Example 2: Central Offensive vs. Queenside Counterplay
Keres vs. Fine Ostend 1937
White’s move
White launched an offensive in the center and succeeded in capturing the e4 and d4 pawns. Meanwhile, Black counterattacked on the queenside, seized control of the open c-file, and obtained a passed pawn. So far, all key invasion squares are held by White—but if Black simply relocates the queen, for example to b6, the dangerous threat of ...Rc8–c3 will emerge.
What realistic factors must White consider when formulating a plan? At this moment, he holds a clear advantage in strength on the kingside. The only defender there is the knight on f6. If it retreats via e5, White’s knight can jump to the important d5 square with tempo. But the question remains—how to get rid of that defender?
Keres found the right solution:
1. d5! exd5 (1... e5 2. Qg3 Re8 3. Nh4) 2. e5! Nd7 3. Ng5 Nf8 (3... h6 4. Nxf7!)
4. Nxh7 Nxh7 5. Rh3 Qc1 (Black's counterattack is clearly late.) 6. Qxh7+ Kf8 7. Re3 d4 8. Qh8+ Ke7 9. Qxg7 Rf8 10. Qf6+
Ke8 11. e6 Black resigned.
Example 3: Flank Tension and a King in Danger
Yudovich – Dalko, 1975 / 1977 - correspondence chess
White’s move
As in the previous example, White holds the advantage in the center and on the kingside, while Black seeks counterplay on the queenside. For instance, transferring the knight to c4 would present White with a number of serious challenges. However, the Black king appears to be poorly defended, as most of Black’s forces are committed to the opposite flank.
Once again, the natural-looking move e5 proves ineffective - it concedes the key d5 square to Black and strengthens the influence of the bishop on b7.
1. d5! exd5 (On 1... Nc4 ? 2. e5! is strong, and 2.. Qxd5 is impossible because of 3. Bh7+) 2. e5 Qd8 3. Qg4 Nc4 4. e6! Qf6 (5. e7 was threatened) 5. Bf5! Ra8 6. exf7+ Kh8 7. Qg6 Qxg6 8. Bxg6 Rad8 9. Re7 Bc8 10. Re8 Black resigned.
Practice tasks
Example #1
Black is preparing to build a fortress by placing a knight on d7 and covering all the paths to breakthrough.
What game plan can be proposed to White?
Example #2
Considering realistic factors, choose a game plan for White when it is his turn, and for Black when it is his turn.
Conclusion
Creating a plan in chess is about more than just playing good moves - it’s about identifying the strategic imbalances in the position and guiding your pieces toward a long-term goal. Use these steps:
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Evaluate the position honestly
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Identify your strengths and your opponent’s weaknesses
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Choose the area of the board to focus on
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Develop a logical sequence of actions
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Be flexible—adapt if the position changes
The masters don't find magic moves - they find the right plans.
Nemanja Martić, FIDE Candidate Master and Chess Coach
