Outlining Initial Position Strategy steps
Outlining Initial Position Strategy steps Purpose: Establish the strategic logic before calculating. You cannot properly assess a position without answering the three questions. This makes you look at the position differently by not trying to "solve" it with moves but to familiarize yourself with the strategic characteristics of the position in an abstract way. This is vital for understanding and will eventually lead to better decision-making, better play, and a higher quality of games. Freeze - Identify - Key - Compare - Hero - Square - Check - Move ✔ Q1: Strategic Aim - What is the position demanding? - Attack • Defend • Improve • Restrict • Transform ✔ Q2: Direction - Where must the plan occur? - Kingside • Queenside • Center • File • Diagonal ✔ Q3: Color Complex - Which color of squares matters? - Light squares or dark squares? - Which side controls which color? Step 1 — Freeze the position Step 2 — Identify the dominant color complex Step 3 — Find th...