Strategy
StrategyControlling the Center: why four squares decide the gameWhy e4, d4, e5 and d5 outrank the rest of the board: piece mobility, space, occupying versus controlling, and the classical center against the hypermodern.StrategyPawn Structure: doubled, isolated and passed pawnsPawns never move backwards. Learn doubled, isolated, backward and passed pawns, pawn islands, and the practical rule: fix the weakness, blockade it, attack it.StrategyThe Bishop Pair, Weak Squares and OutpostsWhy two bishops beat bishop and knight in open positions, when the knight is better, and what a weak square, a colour complex, a bad bishop and an outpost are.StrategyHow to Make a Plan: what to do when there is no tacticA repeatable method for planning in chess: evaluate material, king safety, structure, activity and space, find the imbalance, then play where you are stronger.