Multi-Planned Play: The Strategic Art of Outplaying the Opponent

Dear Chess Friends!

Multi-planned play is an important strategic technique that allows a player to convert a strategic advantage into a tangible one. To break down a strong defensive setup, it is often necessary to methodically undermine the opponent’s structure by attacking it from multiple directions. This forces the opponent to urgently redeploy their forces. A key element of this approach is the creation of weaknesses.

Multi-planned play can take several forms:

• Alternating attacks on opposite flanks

• Combining attacks on different targets

• Combining an attack with the threat of transitioning into a favorable endgame

• Mixing different types of attacks (e.g., a pawn storm combined with piece pressure)

At this session we explored how strategic versatility can break down the strongest defenses and create winning opportunities.

We began the workshop by examining how alternate attacks on different flanks can force the opponent into difficult decisions, creating exploitable weaknesses. By shifting the point of pressure, we learned how to dismantle a solid defensive structure.

Next, we explored how combining attacks on different objects, such as pawns and key squares, can overwhelm the opponent's resources. We also discussed how mixing pawn advances with piece attacks can open crucial lines.

The discussion on importance of strategic transitioning was also insightful. We saw how players can turn a well-executed middlegame attack into a winning endgame. I also showed how forcing exchanges or creating passed pawns can shift the game's momentum decisively.

Our discussion on multiplanned defensive play emphasized exchanging weaknesses, neutralizing active enemy pieces, and activating poorly positioned pieces while safeguarding the king.

If you missed the live session or want to catch some parts of it again, you have the chance as it has been recorded for you to watch at your convenience:

These are PGNs so you can go through the games yourself with most comfortable pace!

1) Alexander Alekhine - Oscar Chajes

If you would like to participate in our next event, you can register here: https://chesslance.com/masterclass/

Your participation is absolutely free.

See you at the workshop,
FM Viktor Neustroev