“Chess is played with the mind and not with the hands!” - Renaud and Kahn
Welcome to the planning lesson, where we will talk about how to make a plan when playing a chess game against anyone. So far as you can see, we have landed ourselves on the lesson for day 12, which speaks volumes about our dedication to this learning series.
Without further ado, you know the drill if you missed previous lesson and are looking for where to check for the remaining lessons, that is, my blog.
Before we move into the lesson for the day, I would like to share a secret with you: chess gets more interesting the more you get to play and learn about the game. I can still remember when I used to play chess with my secondary school buddies and how we would tease the loser. During this period, I knew there was still a whole lot I needed to learn about the game, but I was just waiting for the right time. Little did I know that there is no such thing as the right time. If you want to start something or start learning about something, just start right away, and I promise you will be amazed by how much you can learn. I guess that is the moral of my story, and now let's get back to the lesson.
A common problem that most chess players, even at the grandmaster level, face is coming up with the right plan for the given time. It can be perplexing when you do not have a plan during the game, and even worse when your plan fails. At least it is better to have a plan that fails than not have any at all. Well, the concept of the perfect plan does not exist, at least from my experience of playing a lot of chess games. It all boils down to one simple thing: visualization.
How do you see the chessboard in general, and how do you see your pieces? Is it a product of your downfall or a weapon you can use to win the battle?
It is either you take it or leave it; chess is a battle, and the board is the battlefield. Once the first move has been made, then the first blow has been struck.
Start simple when planning, first look at your pieces, and think of where you can place them, then look towards the next thing, protecting our king before you start launching attacks. As it is well known, one who lives in a glasshouse does not throw stones. What do you do? You secure the parameter before you start launching missiles.
A good plan also involves considering your opponent's moves. Do not make the idealistic mistake of forgetting that chess is a two-player game. While you make your moves, your opponent will make their moves as well, so put that into consideration when planning.
Lastly, a good plan takes time to develop, so be patient when playing chess. That is why I love to advise chess beginners to spend more time playing longer time games compared to short time games.
Try to play daily and enjoy the game. See you in the next lesson.
I am 
♟♟♟♟♟♟♟♟♟
Thanks For Reading!