Usually an opening suggests a plan of attack, but it needs to be updated at several points throughout the game--eg, when you realize a goal or alternatively discover that it can't be immediately obtained, or when a new opportunity presents itself.
When do you formulate a plan?
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at the strart of the middlegame. Memorized opening lines (it doesn''t really matter how well you understand them, it helps though) should take you about 8 or 9 moves in. If you're really comfortable with an opening it can be up to 15. After this point stop an take a minute to analyze. Look for strenghts and weaknesses in both camps, look for pins and the relationships between gaurds, and then look and assess the best squares for your pieces and their pieces. Try to improve your position while preventing the improvement of his pieces. For intermediate players like me, I usually just pick a side, queenside or kingside, where I want to attack. I'll look for a few weak squares on his side and mine, and then go at it. To see what masters do, check out the videos on chessvideos.com. Strategy is essential!
I usually wait for Hanibal to get one, then I steal it.
I plan to play solid chess, which will vary depending on the position. Each opening will derive its own themes based on the features and needs of the position. The way to find a plan is to study the pieces in isolation, understand what makes them 'happy', and only then in combination to see how the pieces can work 'en masse' and in harmony for each position. Experience and studying master games will reveal to you common themes in each opening. You will start to see technical manuevres such as knight paths, pawn formations, rook developments, etc. Don't look for the path to the gold..... look for the gold!
Thanks for the replies all. "Solid chess" is what I aspire to play someday. Right now I feel I am lacking the knowledge to plan properly which is why I posed the question to you more experienced veterans.
Jun 2, 2008
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#7
I start making plans when my opening knowledge runs out. I'll think about the type of position I'm in, I'll think about the previous games, if any, I've had with this position/opening. I'll try to come up with something new in the position, some insight, or something. That's it! :-)
Hopefully you're aware of the plans associated with the openings you play. For example, in the Classical French black usually plays to attack white's central pawns and then proceed with pressure on the queenside (where white usually castles).
I suggest you familiarize yourself with the schemes and strategies inherent to the openings you play.
I've not studied any openings, as I've read over and over again that novice players shouldn't study them. I try to make developing moves in the opening and key an eye on protecting my pieces and pawns. Sometime in the process of doing this I try looking for a mistake by my opponent that might allow use of a tactic.
My advice is to try and predict their moves. I can think 4 moves ahead and if they move where i thought so my plan goes into action.
emilyispsycho7 wrote: My advice is to try and predict their moves. I can think 4 moves ahead and if they move where i thought so my plan goes into action.
And how does one develop this ability?
Hello all, I'm new to these site.
I'm looking for input from some of the players here on at what point in the game they formulate their plan of attack/defense. Is this something players know right from the opening, or does it just come to them at some later point?