Thought Process

Dana Mackenzie suggests before moving, ask the following questions.

1. What are the pawn breaks?
2. What are my and my opponent’s best and worst placed pieces?
3. What pieces are targeted and vulnerable?
4. What are the possible trades, and which ones benefit me?
5. Where are the best squares for my pieces?
6. Who would be winning the endgame?
7. Who has the safer king?
8. On which side of the board should I play?