The Architecture of Strategic Chess: Nikola Nikolovski's System for Evaluating Static Factors
Modern Chess proudly presents the debut course of IM and psychologist Nikola Nikolovski — The Chess Thinking Process – Static Factors and Planning.
This innovative work bridges cognitive science and chess understanding, offering a structured framework for evaluating positions long before concrete calculation begins.
A Psychologist's Approach to Chess Thinking
For decades, chess instruction has grappled with a fundamental pedagogical challenge: how do you teach a player what to look for before deciding what to do?
Strong players develop intuitive checklists through experience, but transferring this systematic evaluation process has remained elusive.
Nikolovski’s dual expertise as an International Master and psychologist shapes the methodology of this course. Rather than presenting isolated positional concepts, he introduces a decision-making hierarchy: first, determine whether a position requires immediate tactical action or permits strategic development.
This binary distinction — dynamics versus statics — forms the foundation of a two-part series, with this volume dedicated entirely to positions where patient planning prevails over calculation.
The framework rests on ten interconnected static factors, each representing elements that don’t vanish with a single move. Nikolovski emphasizes their interdependence: recognizing multiple factors simultaneously reveals which advantages are exploitable and which plans are justified by the position’s architecture.
Course Structure and Technical Specifications
The course delivers 4 hours of video instruction, organized into 10 thematic chapters plus a model games chapter, supported by 30 test positions for practical reinforcement.
Chapter overview:
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Pawn Structure in Front of the King – Minor alterations in the king’s pawn shelter create hooks for pawn storms or sacrifices that can decide the game.
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Material – When ahead, simplify toward winning endgames; when behind, avoid exchanges and seek counterplay before simplification exposes the deficit.
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Space Advantage – Greater spatial control enables piece maneuverability and flank operations; the cramped side seeks trades to relieve pressure.
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Strong Squares and Outposts – Secure squares immune to pawn attacks become long-term strongholds for piece activity.
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Pawn Islands – Fewer pawn islands mean better coordination and fewer structural weaknesses.
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Weak Pawns – Isolated or backward pawns become long-term targets that restrict piece mobility.
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Passed Pawns – Decisive in endgames when supported; liabilities when advanced without control.
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Bishop Pair – A long-term advantage in open positions, offering flexibility and control over both color complexes.
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Control of Diagonals – Active diagonals enable dynamic coordination between bishops and the queen.
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Control of Open Files and the 7th Rank – File control provides infiltration and pressure on the opponent’s defensive structure.
Model Games Chapter – The concluding chapter synthesizes all ten static factors through complete annotated games, demonstrating how to recognize multiple positional elements simultaneously and formulate long-term plans based on their interaction.
Practical Application
Nikolovski recommends a pragmatic training routine: during long games, review the ten factors in your mind on your opponent’s time. This habit builds an automatic evaluation structure and accelerates decision-making when your own clock starts ticking.
This course represents Nikolovski’s first contribution to Modern Chess, and the first volume of his comprehensive decision-making system.
While this installment establishes the foundations of static evaluation, the forthcoming Dynamics course will complement it by exploring active play and tactical transitions.
Together, the two volumes form a complete cognitive model for positional and strategic thinking — helping players transform intuition into understanding, and understanding into practical strength.
INTRODUCTION BY IM NIKOLA NIKOLOVSKI
Hi, I’m Nikola Nikolovski – International Master, FIDE Instructor, and psychologist – and I’m excited to guide you through this course.
Every chess player, no matter the level, has faced moments of uncertainty during a game:
What is the right move? What should I be doing in this position? What’s the best plan?
These are natural questions, and in this course, we’ll start building the tools to answer them with confidence.
This course focuses on statics – the fixed, unchanging elements of a position.
You’ll learn how to recognize and evaluate these elements using a structured framework of ten key factors.
As you go through each one, you’ll begin to see patterns and understand how to assess which factors are in your favor — and how to use that knowledge to find the right plan.
Through practical examples and clear explanations, I’ll show you how to identify static advantages and translate them into concrete plans — whether that means slow maneuvering or patiently building long-term pressure.
This course is part of a two-part series, with the second course focusing on dynamics — situations where fast action is required.
While this course stands on its own, the full picture emerges when both are studied together. Combined, they will give you a complete system for navigating any position: should you act fast, or do you have time to develop a lasting strategy?
To put it simply: the first step in thinking in chess is deciding whether the position calls for immediate action — usually when pieces are in contact and tension is high — or a more patient, long-term approach.
This course will teach you how to make that decision with clarity.
A quick tip:
If you’re playing longer time controls (classical or rapid), try running through the list of factors during your opponent’s turn. That way, when it’s your move, you already have a head start in understanding the position.
Lastly, remember that these ten factors aren’t isolated — they’re interconnected. By mastering them, you will not only improve your planning, but also deepen your overall chess understanding.
I hope you find this course insightful and practical.
Let’s begin the journey of learning how to think in chess.
Enjoy the course!