Plan

The overall idea that ties together the separate operations of a side, all aimed at one particular goal. Working out a plan and carrying it through is one of the main tasks in a game of chess.

To choose the right plan, one that fits the situation, you need an accurate and deep evaluation of the position. At the same time you have to meet your opponent's intentions. This means that each single move of the plan solves a concrete problem of the position at hand, and, depending on what the opponent does, you often have to change the strategic plan or the tactical way of executing it.

A plan is the foundation of every game. In Lasker's words, it is better to play by a bad plan than by no plan at all.