Understanding before Moving 25: The "Strategic Thinking Protocol"

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5/2/2021 – Herman Grooten is an International Master, a renowned trainer and the author of several highly acclaimed books about chess training and chess strategy. In the 25th instalment of his ChessBase show "Understanding before Moving", Herman shows how useful a "Strategic Thinking Protocol" is to find the right plans and moves. | Photo: Tommy Grooten

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As in the previous episode of this video series, we are going to make an assessment of the position to determine the most promising plan. In the diagram position it is Black to move. Now, try to find the best move by using the following "strategic thinking protocol":

I. Orientation

1. Material balance.
2. Are there any (immediate) tactical threats?
3. Compare the safety of the kings.
4. Pawn structure

a. Center and space.
b. Control of open files, diagonals and ranks.
c. Strong and weak squares.

5. Activity of the pieces.
6. Evaluation of the position.

II. Generating candidate moves. Determining and evaluating candidate moves.

III. Checking the planned move.

This week’s show (for Premium Members only)