I Get Lost...!

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Ladya79

In any particular game, after I finish the opening, there comes THE point where I falter a little bit. My pieces are developed, my rooks are connected, and I'm officially in my middlegame. The trouble is, what if my opponent and I have equally strong positions? I want to start attacking my opponent's weaknesses, but what if s/he doesn't HAVE any weaknesses yet? Is this a stupid question? Yes. Am I an experienced player? No. Ceteris paribus--all other things being equal--I get lost!!!

baddogno

Yeah, all us patzers have the same problem.  Part of the solution is really knowing the goals of the opening you are using.  Likewise each pawn structure has a certain dynamic.  Basically what you want to do is create some imbalance on the board that you can take advantage of (or so I've read-I can't personally do any of the stuff I've just mentioned).  It also depends on your personality.  Quietly improving your position is almost always good, but some want to sharpen up the position to create tactics.  Silman's "The Amateur's Mind" is pretty good if you want a book to give you some ideas.  I would recommend getting a diamond membership here which will give access to Chess Mentor.  Silman has a bunch of course on the middle game which would be right up your alley.  There is even one titled "Now What".  Lots of beginner level videos would help you also.  It's sure easier to watch someone explain how a game is progressing and why than to dig it out of a book!  Good luck.