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Topic: Middle Game Strategies
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I’ve been practicing chess for a few years now, and managed to stay with a few openings recently in the hopes to get better at my middle game. It took me a little while to get comfortable with the openings, but after playing half a dozen games I noticed my confidence rise a bit. This brought out my middle game weakness. I feel the next step for me is to figure out a long term strategy. At the moment, I have no long term strategy, and kind of try to figure things out as I go. I know about the simple ones, like if your ahead by a major piece, try trading as many pieces as you can etc. These are basic rules and not really the kind of long term strategies I am talking about.
There seems to be great books that cover the middle game, but they all seem to be way over my head. I gained tidbits of knowledge here and there, but there doesn’t seem to be anything out there for beginners on strategy for the middle game. I figure that by the time my opponent makes his first five moves or so, I should know which long term strategy to employ. I guess perhaps I am asking too much. There is only so far chess instruction can go for those who have so little time to devote to it.
I tried studying the end game, but I had serious trouble trying to remember what I was learning. I guess doing the same endgame puzzle several times over again because I spent like ten minutes at a sitting doesn’t help.
Any suggestions for a box of rocks like my self?
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"The amateur's mind: turning chess misconceptions into chess mastery, by IM Jeremy Silman" 
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Let me define your long term strategy in middle game as "scheme of middle game play" like to attack by pawn advancing on the flank, to occupy/control the center, or, kingside attack by pieces. To craft a proper scheme after first five moves or so, you must have solid basic positional knowledges such as importance of center, open file, rank and diagonal, pawn structure and its cooperation with pieces (good/bad bishop, knight and its operation base), etc. These knowledges are abundant on the internet and after mastering them, you can go further by studying books of middle game strategy.
Endgame puzzle is mostly tricky and too advanced for beginners. You should try fundamental positions instead.
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A good knowledge of openings and what position they generate for the middle game helps in devising a long term strategy. Open games are good for attackers, while tight positional play is good for the defensive player.
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