A Prussian army of 32,000 men fought an Austrian army under Daun of 44,000 men. The Prussians lost the battle and nearly 14,000 men, the Austrians lost 9,000 men.

Friedrich II. had won a battle against Austria and was now sieging Prague. An Austrian army came to relieve Prague and the Prussian forces had to be split.

Friedrich took 32,000 of his men to intercept Daun. Knowing that the Prussian forces were to weak to both siege Prague and keep Daun away from Prague for a longer time (or to fight the Austrian army reinforced by the Prague garnison), the Austrian took defence positions on hills at Kolin. So Friedrich was forced to attack the numerically stronger opponent.

Friedrich's plan was to pass the Austrian defence positions with most of his army (of course off range of the Austrian weapons). Along the Austrian lines (Prussian left wing and center) there were only enough Prussian troups to be kept, to hide the concentration on the Prussian right wing.

The Prussian main force was to turn left toward the Austrians in order to attack the left flank. In the strong Prussian right wing the Prussians would even outnumber the Austrians. After the Austrian left wing would be defeated the battle would be decided.