IM Mat Bobula

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Introduction
In chess, it's really important to make a good plan. Every player has to figure this out during the
game. You usually think about your plan right after the game starts, and a few more times later on.

There's a saying that it's better to have a bad plan than no plan at all. Also, you can't pick the right
move if you don't know what you're going to do next. So, you might wonder: Where do I start?
How do I find the best plan and move? Is there a rule that always works?

Well, yes! Masters have a way of thinking that helps them. This guide will teach you how to find
simple patterns, step by step. The process contains 3 segments: evaluation (4 steps), planning (2
steps) and calculation (4 steps).

One last point: I want to emphasize practical application over theoretical disputes.

Evaluation
It's important to evaluate a position properly because understanding all the strengths and
weaknesses of the position helps you pick the right plan. You should consider 4 factors:

1. Material:
This is the most basic thing. Count the pieces to see who's winning and by how much. For example,
if White has 9 more points than Black, other things might not matter as much.

2. King's Safety (Activity):

The King is super important, and keeping it safe is crucial. Normally, you should castle the King and
protect it well. But sometimes, it stays in the middle, or the castle gets wrecked and useless. In the
middle of the game, the safety of the King matters a lot because other pieces can threaten it. In the
endgame, it should be active in the middle of the board.

3. Pawn Structure:
Like Philidor said, "Pawns are the soul of chess." Look for weak pawns, like ones that are alone,
behind, doubled, hanging, or too far out. Also, find strong pawns, like ones that passed the
opponent's pawns or where you have more pawns.

4. Piece Activity:
At the beginning, it's important to bring your pieces out. Check to see which player's pieces have
more moves and options

To sum up, you should think about these factors. Usually, the player with more advantages in these
areas has a better position.

Planning
Based on the evaluation, you can choose the best plan. You need to answer the following two
questions:

5. Attack or Defense?
According to Wilhelm Steinitz's basics, "If you have an advantage, you should attack, or you might
lose it. To plan a good attack, find a weak spot in your opponent's position and use it." Those who
are doing better should attack, while those who are not should try to stop the opponent's
advantages.
6. Queen's side, Center, or King's side?
Decide where you want to make moves on the chessboard. You can choose the queen's side,
center, or king's side, or a mix of them. For instance, if your opponent is doing better on the
queen's side and you are doing better on the king's side, you might attack on the king's side and
defend on the queen's side.

You can also explain your plan more if you want, but you need to answer these two questions at
least.

Calculation
You have chosen the right plan based on your evaluation, and now it's time to find the exact move.
Today's lesson is about calculation, and it involves several steps:

7. Find candidate moves

Pick at least two moves that come to mind, ensuring they align with the plan you chose. If your
plan is to attack the King's side, focus on moves that support this goal.

8. Calculate candidate moves

Calculate each possible move one by one. Avoid the common mistake of jumping between
different moves. Maintain a clear order in your calculations. At the end of each variation, always
assess how much you like the final position.

9. New ideas for candidate moves?

Often, new ideas may emerge during your calculations. After evaluating the candidate moves you
initially considered, begin calculating these new ideas.

10. Final decision

In the final step, select the move that leads to the final position you like the most.

Important hint #1
How far ahead should you calculate? In simpler positions, masters often calculate two to three
moves ahead because understanding the overall plans and ideas is crucial. In tactical and more
complex positions, masters typically calculate five to seven moves ahead.

Important hint #2
During your calculations, be sure to consider your opponent's best responses. Avoid the common
mistake, especially among beginners, of analyzing based on your opponent's blunders.
Practical example #1
Nepomniachtchi - Bobula 2001
r4rk1/pqp1bppp/1p2pn2/8/2PP1B2/5N2/PP2QPPP/3R1RK1 w - - 1 15

Evaluation
1. Material – equal
2. King's Safety – equal
3. Pawn Structure – white has stronger pawns in the center
4. Pieces Activity – White has more active pieces because the White queen and minor pieces have
more available moves

Planning
5. Attack or Defense – attack as white has got the advantage (2:0)
6. Queen's side, Center, or King's side? – center as most of the advantages are in that area

Calculation
7. Find candidate moves – Rfe1, Ne5
8. Calculate candidate moves – 1. Rfe1 Bb4 2. Nd2 White is slightly better; 1. Ne5 c5 2. dxc5 Bxc5
3. Rfe1 This position is equal.
9. New ideas for candidate moves – d5; 1. d5 Rae8 2. dxe6 Bc5 3. exf7 Rxf7 4. Qd3 White has a
significant advantage, as White is up a pawn.
10. Final decision – 1.d5 as this move gives white the best final position
Practical example #2
Keres - Geller 1962
2r2rk1/pb4q1/1p3pB1/n2P3Q/1b6/8/PB3PPP/3R1RK1 w - - 1 22

Evaluation
1. Material – Black is up by 1 point (minor piece for 2 pawns)
2. King's Safety – Black's castle is destroyed. White has the advantage.
3. Pawn Structure – White has a passed pawn on the d-file. Black has an isolated pawn (f6). White
has the advantage.
4. Pieces Activity – White has more active pieces.

Planning
5. Attack or Defense – attack as White has got the advantage in 3 elements, Black only in 1
6. Queen's side, Center, or King's side? – the King's side as most important advantages are in that
area

Calculation
7. Find candidate moves – Rd4, Rd3
8. Calculate candidate moves – 1. Rd3 Bd6 2. f4 and Rg3 is unstoppable. White wins. ; 1. Rd4 Rc4
2. Rd3 White has got a very strong attack but it makes more
sense to go directly to d3 (so Black cannot activate the Rook at
the c4-square)
9. New ideas for candidate moves – no
10. Final decision – 1. Rd3
Practical example #3
Alekhine - Capablanca 1927
8/5p2/r5pp/P3k3/R6P/5KP1/5P2/8 w - - 9 56

Evaluation
1. Material – White is up by +1
2. King's Activity (not safety, this is the endgame) – equal
3. Pawn Structure – White has a passed pawn on a5
4. Pieces Activity – equal

Planning
5. Attack or Defense – attack
6. Queen's side, Center, or King's side? – Queen's side, aiming to promote the passed pawn.
However, if Black attempts to block it with the King
and Rook, Black's pawns on the King's side will be left
completely unprotected.

Calculation
7. Find candidate moves – Ke3, Kg4
8. Calculate candidate moves – 1. Kg4 Kd5 2. h5 and it will be very hard to breakthrough on the
King's side; 1. Ke3 Kd5 2. Kd3 Kc5 3. Ra2 Kb5 4. Kd4 and Kings
has got a path to pawns: e5 - f6
9. New ideas for candidate moves – no
10. Final decision – 1. Ke3