Backward Pawn Explained - Part 2

Welcome to the Part 2.

It's time to encompass the whole point about the Backward Pawn and cover some other things that will unquestionably be useful for enhancing understanding.

Let's get started.

This was the position where we stopped our previous part.

The following question, whose answer remains unrevealed, is: 'What is the meaning behind — Rook is a keeper?

It's time to discuss that.

I would like to begin with the fact - Why Rook is even allowed to be a keeper? or in another words, what makes Rook feeling comfortable to be a keeper ( just being on the square d5 and chilling).

That's connected with definition of Backward Pawn and Simplifying the position. Why?

Because our definition says - Backward Pawn is the one because it can not be protected by any other pawn.. following that logic subsequent conclusion is - Okay, if there is no any pawn to protect Backward Pawn, that also means that there is no any Pawn to protect ( control) the square in front of Backward Pawn as well!

You may say, okay Matija, it's not a bid deal, its basic conclusion. 

You are not wrong if that popped to your mind,

Just allow me to connect that fact with our work of simplifying the position.

Our opponent doesn't have any single Knight because we traded all of them and I mentioned that we have 2 reasons why we did it: 

1) We want to remove all defenders of the square d5 in order to eventually reach ultimate control (putting minor or heavy piece on that square)

2) We want to trade pieces our opponent can use in the future for creating some counter-attack and move our attention from Backward Pawn to defense!

Now, due to that first reason and fact that there is no any other pawn to get and control  the square d5 our Rook will not be kicked out ever because our opponent DOESN'T have any less valuable piece than piece placed on the square d5! 

Thus, our Rook can stay on that square as long as we need to reposition our Knight with some manoeuvre  to the square d5!

That all leads us to the final point!

OUTPOST

That's the name how is called square in front of Backward Pawn.

My advice for you is to try yourself an figure out the definition of OUTPOST if you are not familiar with that one.

Here is the main definition.

An outpost is a square on the opponent’s side of the board that cannot be attacked by their pawns. It serves as a strong location for placing a piece, especially a knight, and can represent a permanent advantage in the position.

🔍 There are two types of outposts:

✅ 1. Secure Outpost

A secure outpost is a square that:

1. 1. 1. 1. Cannot be attacked by enemy pawns

         2. Is not easily challenged by enemy minor pieces (like a bishop or knight), or cannot be challenged at all

         3. Allows long-term occupation, especially by a knight — this often leads to a static advantage (permanent advantage)

         4. Often becomes the center of positional pressure

⚠️ 2. Contested or Insecure Outpost

A contested (or insecure) outpost is a square that:

1. 1. 1. 1. Cannot be attacked by enemy pawns, so it’s technically an outpost

         2. But is controlled by enemy minor pieces, which may trade or threaten your piece immediately

         3. Has less lasting power unless you gain something from the exchange

         4. Does not represent a pure permanent advantage, as its value may quickly disappear after a trade

            ---

“A square becomes an outpost when it’s safe from pawns.
A secure outpost is safe from pawns and minor pieces — and that’s what gives it permanent power.”

ChessPunctum