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In chess, doubled pawns are two pawns of the same color residing on the same file. Pawns can become doubled only when one pawn captures onto a file on which another friendly pawn resides. In the diagram, the white pawns on the b-file and e-file are doubled.
Do you know how to handle doubled pawn positions? How can you tell when to accept doubled pawns? GM Fabien Libiszewski demonstrates the pros and cons in sharp Caro-Kann and Nimzo Indian variations. Learn the tricky Nf6 Caro-Kann.
- Understanding Pawn Structures
- Fundamental Pawn Structures
- Conclusion to Pawn Structures
1. Why Are Pawn Structures Important?
Pawns are essential when assessing a position. They are like an X-ray that tells us the state of health of the position.Many times, one of the sides may be having an advantage or can even win, depending on the quality of the pawn structure concerning its opponent. On the other hand, there may be other positions where the pawn structure is irrelevant. But generally, they also help us determine what is the plan to follow in the game. For example, there is a general rule that says the following:...
2. What Is Considered a Good Pawn Structure?
First of all, it is essential to mention that the pawn structure must always be valued based on the position of the pieces. Certain pawn structures may not seem very good at first glance, but by analyzing the arrangement of the pieces, we can know if the structure is helping us in the position or not. However, as a general rule, we could say that a good pawn structure is one in which your pawns are connected and defending each other.It also counts if the pawns have mobility and the absence of...
3. How Do You Use Pawn Structures?
Because an advanced pawn can never back down, we should think twice before unnecessarily advancing a pawn. However, that does not mean that we should stop moving the pawns. In fact, in many positions, gaining space by advancing our pawns is the correct strategy. The key lies in analyzing whether the advance of the pawns has the support of part of our pieces or not; and if, of course, the advance is justified. We must question whether the advance of the pawn meets any objective. The pawn advan...
1. Isolated Pawn
We call a pawn “isolated” when it cannot be protected by another pawn and has no other pawns of the same color on the adjacent files.Therefore, the pawn will depend on its pieces to be protected. This means that in endgames when there are few pieces on the board, the pawn can often be a weakness.
2. Doubled Pawns
Doubled pawns are pawns of the same color that are on the same file. As in all pawn structures, whether they are a strength or a weakness will depend on the arrangement of the pieces. The positive aspect of doubled pawns is that they allow open files that are suitable for major pieces. This means more piece activity for its owner. However, not everything is rosy. Since they are doubled, they cannot move normally, which causes rigidity in the pawn structure and weaknesses.
3. Backward Pawn
It is called a backward pawn the one that constitutes the base of a chain of pawns and that cannot move because it can be captured by an opponent’s pawn.The back pawn can be very useful as it is the key point in a pawn chain. As a result, it cannot be defended by another pawn and if this pawn is in an open file, it is prone to be attacked.
The study of pawn structures can be the key to taking your chess to the next level. Understanding pawn structures is vital to understanding the positional play. Among the benefits of studying pawn structures I can mention: 1. It helps you know which direction the game should go. 2. It is often the key to knowing the right plan. 3. It saves you time...
Jun 1, 2016 · Here are a few rules about doubled pawns: Rule 1: Doubled isolated pawns are generally bad since there isn’t a side pawn that can protect the lead doubled pawn. In our first position, White’s lead doubled pawn can’t be protected by a pawn, so that pawn can easily fall victim to a simple buildup:
In this early game of Botvinnik's (which was by the way one of Fischer's favorites!), White's doubled pawns control the important central squares d4 and d5. The isolated c3 and c4 pawns were clearly Botvinnik's favorites.
Jan 17, 2015 · There can be isolated doubled pawns, when none of the pawns can be protected by another pawn and doubled pawns defended by another pawn, creating an outpost in the structure. Whichever the case, they can be a weakness in our position and become a possible target.
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Sep 26, 2019 · Doubled Pawns: Doubled pawns occur when two pawns of the same color are on the same file. Doubled pawns can restrict mobility and coordination, but they can also provide open lines for your pieces. Passed Pawns: A passed pawn is a pawn that has no opposing pawns to stop its advance to promotion. Passed pawns can be very powerful and can become ...
