Strategic planning

A plan connects the features of a position to a goal. For example: a weak pawn suggests attacking it, an open file suggests doubling rooks, and a king that is not castled suggests opening the centre.

Make a plan in three steps. First, find the imbalances (pawn structure, piece activity, king safety, space). Second, decide what you want to achieve. Third, choose moves that improve your position toward that goal, while checking your opponent's threats.

When you do not see a plan, improve your worst piece. If you are worse, look for ways to trade your opponent's best pieces.