KW explains Bent Larsen's
8-Point Method for Assessing Moves
[August 16th-22nd 2011]

Bent Larsen's 8-Point Method
for Assessing Moves

What type of pawn structure is it?

What is good and what is bad about my position?

Which pieces do I want to exchange, and which do I want to keep?

Which side of the board should I play on?

What is my dream position?

What does my opponent want to do?

Can I take a step in the right direction?

Which moves are worth taking a look at?

7. Can I take a step in the right direction?
When you find an overall plan, find partial goals to achieve the overall plan.

(KW, August 16th) Here we want to find the step to take in the overall plan.

We know that ...

... Black's Kingside is relatively defenseless.
... we are stronger on light squares than Black.
... we must try to defend e5.
... we can generate an attack on the Kingside.
... the Ne4 is in the way of the Re1.

What should we do?

To take a step in the right direction, we should move the Ne4. But where?

To achieve our partial goals, we should attack Kingside. So if we go 13. Nf6+ Nxf6, 14. exf6 Bxf6 does not help us, it just causes us to be down a pawn.

So how about 13. Neg5? It attacks the light squares on the Kingside, it is protected by Nf3, and if exchanged, it sets up Qh5. As well, it opens the e-file once again for the Re1 to protect e5.

While a little risky (probably should be marked Neg5!?), its probably the best move to achieve our goals.

(GW) On Page 9 Ken explains Bent Larsen's eighth point: 8. Which moves are worth taking a look at?.