What is Analysis?

Analysis is the systematic examination of a chess position or sequence of moves to evaluate its merits and determine the best continuation. Analysis can be conducted during a game (within the constraints of the clock), after a game (post-mortem), or as part of opening preparation. It involves calculating variations, assessing pawn structures, evaluating piece activity, and considering the plans available to both sides. Modern analysis frequently employs chess engines, which can calculate millions of positions per second.