The most difficult part

The most difficult part in deciding my next move is the following scenario:

Pieces are developed on both sides, no apparent weaknesses on either side, a closed or semi closed position, all pieces seem to be on their strongest squares, no tactical opportunities for either side, any move seems to weaken my current position. What to do now?

This happens in about 10% of my games. There are YouTube lessons on how to deal with these situations, which I plan to study, but was wondering:



What is the most difficult part in deciding YOUR next move?

@mchill

One of the shortest books on chess strategy, with the odd title How Not to Play Chess, by Znosko-Borovski, offers this advice: it's not about choosing the right next move; it's about forming a plan. Once you have a plan, the moves will suggest themselves.

@moonbus said
@mchill

One of the shortest books on chess strategy, with the odd title How Not to Play Chess, by Znosko-Borovski, offers this advice: it's not about choosing the right next move; it's about forming a plan. Once you have a plan, the moves will suggest themselves.

@mchill

Typically, the transition from opening, where the book lines run out, to middle game, is the difficult part. If I think I have optimised my own pieces' positions, I try to find a way to restrict my opponent's pieces' positions or identify a potential weakness in my opponent's position. A good rule of thumb is to remember that a weakness, to be exploited, must be something the opponent cannot move away from a threat, so I ask myself, 'what can I immobilise? '

@mchill said
Good idea you have, and I intend to look into this and other lessons on this subject on YouTube.

So - What is the most difficult part in deciding YOUR next move?

IMO, it really depends on the player. If you have a great memory, you tend to love openings and endings because they can be memorized. Probably the creative part will your headache. On the other hand, if you are a creative player, you will want to take your opponents out of traditional lines to get some kind of chaothic positions where you can shine.

TLDR: Every player has different weakness and strenghts, try to capitalize your strenghts and improve your weaknesses.

@venda said
As the other post above,I find if I can restrict my opponents knight moves it helps my position.Once a knight becomes established in the centre of the board it is notoriously difficult to dislodge it.

@moonbus

Thank You everyone. Very good feedback. 🙂

The problem is not unique. Every player faces it. What to do when there appears
nothing to do. Cue a Tartakower famous quote.

"Tactics is what you do when there is something to do; strategy is what you do when there is nothing to do.

So you 'tact' as Euwe puts it. Pushing and probing without, if you can, weakening
your own position. Exchanging off the right piece or pawn at the right time.
Trying eek out a weakness or tempt your opponent into a premature attack.
(here you have to be careful and have complete faith in ability to defend.)

All this is difficult to do OTB o I go for opening gambit play and the fly by the seat
of your pants approach. Get active and sets two move traps. I know it's not
chess art, more like caveman art but I enjoy myself and sometimes I win.

@mchill said
The most difficult part in deciding my next move is the following scenario:

Pieces are developed on both sides, no apparent weaknesses on either side, a closed or semi closed position, all pieces seem to be on their strongest squares, no tactical opportunities for either side, any move seems to weaken my current position. What to do now?

This happens in about 10% of my g ...[text shortened]... plan to study, but was wondering:



What is the most difficult part in deciding YOUR next move?

@mlb62 said
Try to improve pawn structure, with the idea of future pawn storm, if possible.

Be careful with pawn moves if you are stuck for a plan.
Good players wait for their weaker opponents to play
a careless middle game pawn move.
Every pawn pawn weakens one or two squares.

In some games, there is nothing to do so you shuffle,
tidying up. Weaker players think they should always be
doing something when waiting for the other player to
have an idea - so you can counter it, was a way to go.

@greenpawn34

Good advice: think twice before moving a pawn, because you can't move it back later.

Hi moonbus,

The rule of thumb I was given in the 70's about moving pawns
was always find three reasons to convince yourself moving the pawn is OK.
Having got your three reasons - then do something else.

The most abused pawn move is. f2-f4 or f7-f7 these moves are either
right or wrong. A middle game f-pawn push always seems to be critical.
Rowson donates a chapter to this move in Zebras.

@greenpawn34 said
Hi moonbus,

The rule of thumb I was given in the 70's about moving pawns
was always find three reasons to convince yourself moving the pawn is OK.
Having got your three reasons - then do something else.

The most abused pawn move is. f2-f4 or f7-f7 these moves are either
right or wrong. A middle game f-pawn push always seems to be critical.
Rowson donates a chapter to this move in Zebras.