Karpov identifies that Black’s only plan is to play ...f6 to challenge e5. By moving the king to g2 and doubling rooks on the h-file, White prepares h4-h5, fixing the kingside pawns, then meets ...f6 with exf6, opening the h-file toward Black’s king. The plan takes 5 moves, but all are non-forcing and inevitable.
Look at your army. Find the piece that is restricted by pawns or lacks active squares, and formulate a 3-to-4 move plan exclusively to relocate it to a better square. Anatoly Karpov - Find The Right Plan.pdf
Before executing his own ideas, Karpov actively prevented his opponent’s plans. He famously said that he would restrict his opponent's counterplay until they were left completely paralyzed. Karpov identifies that Black’s only plan is to play