This post is based on the Grandmaster preparation writings by Agaard.

Positional analysis consists in the answering of three questions: $(a)$ what are the weaknesses of each side, actual or potential; $(b)$ what is the worst piece of each side, and $(c)$ what does our opponent intend.

Consider the following position:

Positional analysis might go as follows:

$(a)$ White’s only weaknesses are the queenside darksquares, particularly c3. The e4 square is also weak, at least insofar as f3 is illegal now and probably undesirable anyway. Black’s weaknesses are the e6, a3 and b5 pawns, the latter of which will remain a weakness if pushed to b4 (though strengthening a3). Another weaknesses for Black are the e5 and c5 squares, and in general all dark squares.

$(b)$ White’s worst piece is the light-squared bishop at g2, which does not contribute to the positional dispute around Black’s weak dark squares, with the a1 rook following. Black’s worst piece is the c8 bishop.

$(c)$ Black would like to play Ne4 and b4, with the idea of Nc3 and Ba6, in which case he will be probably better. White would like to play Bg5 to prevent Ne4, but it’s Black to move so that’s out of the question and Nd4 is a reality. So White’s plan should therefore consist of Bd2, overprotecting c3, followed by Rfc1. (Better Rfc1 than Rac1 since after Black’s inevitable plan of b4-Ba6, the e-pawn would be pinned.)

Now assume that after a few moves, the position has transformed into the one below.

Apparently, Black missed the opportunity of playing Ne4 and allowed Bg5 followed by Bxf6. He has succeeded however in trading his LSB by one of White’s knights.

$(a)$ White still has weak queenside dark squares, particularly a weak c3 square, which is in the potential reach of the knight. The a2 pawn is a potential weakness. Black still has a weak e6 pawn. The e5 weakness is gone but now the f6 pawn is weak. c5 is weak.

$(b)$ White’s worse piece is now the f3 knight, which has no good squares to go to. Black’s worst piece is d6 bishop, whose only passive role is the defense of b4.

$(c)$ White’s plan should consist of improving his knight via Ne1-Nd3 whereon the knight can reach c5 or f4. So the expected moves are Qe2 (keeping an eye on b5) or Qd2, Ne1-Nd3 followed perhaps by doubling rooks. Black’s plans should consist of getting his knight to c3 via Ne8-Nd6-Ne4, where White must either allow the knight in or commit to f3.

These positions come from this interesting game: