---
title: "Ask what they want next"
canonical: "https://valorem.ing/apps/pawnpetal-chess/lessons/opponent-plans"
language: "en"
updated: "2026-10-25"
publisher: "Valorem Apps"
author: "Gal Itach"
content_kind: "browser chess learning resource"
---

# Ask what they want next

Before improving your own position, look for the opponent’s next useful move. A small preventive move can make that plan harder.

## Starting position

Black can consider using g4. White can discourage that plan.

The f6-knight can jump to g4, attacking the e3-bishop. The c8-bishop can also use g4 to pin the f3-knight to the queen.

Position (FEN): `r1bq1rk1/1pp2ppp/p1np1n2/2b1p3/2B1P3/2NPBN2/PPP2PPP/R2Q1RK1 w - - 0 8`

## Illustrated line

### 1. A quiet move puts g4 under pawn control.

Move: h3.

White can now meet a knight or bishop arriving on g4 with hxg4.

This is prophylaxis: reducing an opponent’s useful options before a problem appears. It does not make those moves illegal, and it does not excuse ignoring an urgent threat elsewhere.

Position (FEN): `r1bq1rk1/1pp2ppp/p1np1n2/2b1p3/2B1P3/2NPBN1P/PPP2PP1/R2Q1RK1 b - - 0 8`

### 2. Black chooses a different useful plan.

Move: Be6.

The bishop develops and challenges White’s c4-bishop.

Stopping one idea never stops all play. Continue asking what changed after the opponent’s actual reply.

Position (FEN): `r2q1rk1/1pp2ppp/p1npbn2/2b1p3/2B1P3/2NPBN1P/PPP2PP1/R2Q1RK1 w - - 1 9`

### 3. White chooses to exchange the challenging bishop.

Move: Bxe6.

The c4-bishop captures on e6.

This is one legal continuation, not a required response to Be6. Look ahead to how the recapture changes Black’s pawns and files.

Position (FEN): `r2q1rk1/1pp2ppp/p1npBn2/2b1p3/4P3/2NPBN1P/PPP2PP1/R2Q1RK1 b - - 0 9`

### 4. The recapture creates a new position to understand.

Move: fxe6.

Black’s f-pawn recaptures on e6, leaving no black pawn on the f-file.

The f-file is half-open for Black: Black has no pawn there, but White does. The f6-knight still blocks the rook, so this is a future route, not an immediate attack on f2.

Position (FEN): `r2q1rk1/1pp3pp/p1nppn2/2b1p3/4P3/2NPBN1P/PPP2PP1/R2Q1RK1 w - - 0 10`

### 5. Resume your own development after checking the changes.

Move: Qd2.

The queen leaves d1, connecting White’s rooks along the first rank.

White’s rooks on a1 and f1 can now see each other. A preventive move should support a plan, not turn the whole game into passive waiting.

Position (FEN): `r2q1rk1/1pp3pp/p1nppn2/2b1p3/4P3/2NPBN1P/PPPQ1PP1/R4RK1 b - - 1 10`

### 6. The habit repeats after every opponent move.

Move: Qe7.

Black develops the queen and protects e6. White must assess this new position.

Use a short scan: What checks and captures are available? What does the opponent want next? Can I improve my own position while reducing that plan?

Position (FEN): `r4rk1/1pp1q1pp/p1nppn2/2b1p3/4P3/2NPBN1P/PPPQ1PP1/R4RK1 w - - 2 11`

## Takeaways

- First check immediate checks, captures and threats.
- Then ask which useful move the opponent wants.
- Prevent a real idea, but do not defend against everything.

## Scope of this example

There is no forced tactical threat here, and h3 is not claimed to be uniquely best or necessary. Prevention costs a move and can weaken squares, so it must fit the position.

These are original teaching examples and bounded exercises, not full games, computer opponents, forced solutions or engine-certified best moves. Completed activities record practice, not mastery. Illustrative opponent replies are authored examples.

## Practise this idea

[Open the interactive lesson](https://valorem.ing/apps/pawnpetal-chess/lessons/practice#lesson/opponent-plans).

[Explore all browser chess lessons](https://valorem.ing/apps/pawnpetal-chess/lessons).

## Sources and further reading

- [Chess.com: Prophylaxis](https://www.chess.com/terms/prophylaxis-chess)