Pawn sacrifices are used a lot nowadays.   Usually to create a better position or to create traps.   I do sacrifice pawns (and many other pieces) but when I see people giving away their small warriors, unless to create a trap, the player who is now a pawn down has no obvious advantage in his/her position.   I am still a begginer compared to some people so please excuse my ignorance if I am missing something as I know sacrifices are used a lot in master play and generally the 'sacrificer' comes out fine, let alone better.   Can someone explain this to me?   Thanks, Thomas 

http://www.chess.com/forum/view/game-analysis/the-intricate-art-of-cavemanning

see the e6 pawn sacrifice