“The pawns are the soul of chess”. With this sentence, Danican André Philidor (1726-1795), put the basics of chess strategy. Although a century would pass until the theory was revised and consolidated by Stenitz (founder of positional school), leading to how to understand chess as we know it today. 

In 1749 Philidor published the book "Analyse du jeu des échecs", an advance in chess knowledge. This book examines several openings, which were designed to create a strong center pawns. 

Some good examples (taken from the book) of this strategic conception, ahead of its time, found in the following statements: 

▪  The pawns are the soul of chess. For his good or bad disposal depends win or lose the game. 

▪  When you have two pawns united in line, should leave them well, without advancing any pawn until the opponent intends to change one of them, which should be avoided, advancing the pawn attacked. 

▪  Must be generally rule unite pawns and bring them to center. 

▪  A doubled pawn, when it’s linked with other pawns, is not a disadvantage if it approach to center. 

▪  How more advanced are the pawns, more are exposed to being captured. 

▪  Generally, should not rush to make an attack with pawns until they are all well protected by themselves or other pieces, otherwise, these attacks lead to failure. 

▪  It is always an advantage to attack an isolated pawn, although to distract the enemy pieces.