Small plan (1)

It is time to introduce a new strategic theme. Many chess books sometimes give the impression that the best players in the world defeat their opponents by means of a perfectly executed strategic plan, which they have thought out well in advance. In practice, this often turns out to be different. Strategic victories are achieved by an accumulation of small strategic advantages. This is not based on one big master plan, but rather on a series of small plans.

How does such a small plan work? A small plan is the execution of a strategic idea that only covers a few moves. A player tries to gain a small strategic advantage with this.

Below are some examples of small plans:

• Provoking a weakening in the pawn structure
• Opening a new front
• Gaining space
• Realising a favourable exchange

What do you have to do?

Come up with a small plan to improve your position. Hint: keep the pawn structure in mind.