How to access a position?

1. Evaluate Material Balance:
- Assess the material on the board, counting the value of each piece (pawn = 1, knight = 3, bishop = 3, rook = 5, queen = 9). A material advantage or disadvantage can significantly influence the evaluation of a position.
2. King Safety:
- Check the safety of both kings. A king in the center or exposed to potential threats is a critical factor. Similarly, consider the safety of pawn structures around the kings.
3. Pawn Structure:
- Examine the pawn structure. Look for weaknesses or strengths in pawn formations. Isolated pawns, doubled pawns, and pawn chains can impact the strategic nature of the position.
4. Piece Activity:
- Evaluate the activity of each piece. Active pieces control more squares and are generally more valuable. Consider the placement of your opponent's and your own pieces.
5. Open Lines and Diagonals:
- Identify open files for your rooks, open diagonals for bishops, and open lines for the queen. This helps improve the overall activity and influence of your pieces.
6. Central Control:
- Assess control over the central squares. Strong central control allows for better piece mobility and coordination.
7. Development:
- Consider the development of your pieces. Are your pieces well-coordinated and actively participating in the game, or are there pieces that still need to be developed?
8. Plan for the Endgame:
- Anticipate how the current position might transition into an endgame. Some positions favor certain pieces in the endgame, and having a plan for this phase can be crucial.
9. Tactical Awareness:
- Be alert for tactical opportunities and threats. Look for pins, forks, skewers, discovered attacks, and other tactical motifs.
10. Understanding the Positional Elements:
- Consider other positional elements, such as outposts for knights, weak squares, and the control of key lines. Understanding these elements can guide your strategic decisions.
Remember that chess is a dynamic game, and the evaluation of a position can change based on the specific features of the position and the strategies employed by both players. Regular practice, analysis of games, and studying classical games can help improve your ability to assess positions accurately.