I don't play a lot of chess, but it seems like there are more intermediate goals in go, but they're also more nebulous.  Gaining center influence, threatening an opponent's weak group, cutting an opposing group into two groups, defending your own territory, making eyes, and reducing your opponent's territory are all important goals.<p>The best moves are ones that further two or more of these at the same time; it's very easy to lose if you're only concerned about one at a time.