Strategically means doing something in a planned, purposeful way to achieve a specific goal. When you act strategically, you're thinking ahead about what you want to accomplish and choosing your actions carefully to make it happen.

A chess player moves pieces strategically, positioning them to create advantages three or four moves ahead, not only for the current turn. A student might study strategically before finals, focusing extra time on difficult subjects rather than reviewing things they already know well. A basketball team plays strategically when they notice the other team's star player is tired and deliberately pass the ball to their own player who's being guarded by that exhausted opponent.

Acting strategically means making deliberate choices based on your goals. When you place yourself strategically during dodgeball, you choose a spot that gives you good throwing angles while making you harder to hit.

People also talk about strategic thinking, which means the ability to see the bigger picture and plan several steps ahead. It's useful in games, sports, schoolwork, and life.