Evaluate a position by comparing king safety, material, pawn structure and piece activity. The biggest difference between the sides points to the plan.
Key principles
- Static factors (structure, material) last; dynamic factors (activity, initiative) fade
- The side with the dynamic edge should act quickly
- The side with the static edge should neutralise activity and simplify
Common mistakes
- Playing for an attack when the position calls for consolidation
- Ignoring king safety when counting material