The art of using pawns in chess
If we want to get better at the game of chess, we have to understand how to use our pawns. In order to use them wisely, we have to understand there are several pawn structures. Pawn structure is one of the most important strategic conecpt in the game of chess. If pawn is badly positioned it is not very easy to be relocated. One very important rule: IF YOU WANT TO ATTACK, KEEP POSITION CLOSED. Pawns are the first pieces you should use in your attack and it is very known concept to start PAWN STORMING. If you pawn storm, you might be able to create pawn chains which can restrict defenders from their posts. Let us consider the position reached after French defence: Advance Variation (e4,e6,d4,d5,e5). White has more space. You can only have more space if you have more pawns in area. HAVING MORE SPACE CAN LEAD TO BETTER ATTACK. In this position and in general, if you have more space your pieces will coordinate better. Also, c8 bishop in this position is now locked by its own pawn on e6.
HOW TO DEAL WITH ISOLATED PAWN?
A pawn that has no friendly pawns supporting him is considered to be an "isolated pawn".The squares around it could become a weekness. Also, square in front of pawn could become an oupost for other pieces. Having an isolated pawn in endgame can be a weekness. However, let us consider next position of an isolated pawn.
In this position, Black is more devoloped and more spacial and is avaliable to trade off isolated pawn before endgame.
POWER OF PASSED PAWNS
A pawn which is not avaliable to be blocked or captured by enemy pawns is considered to be passed pawn. Let us consider next example.
White has a protected passed pawn and is much faster in its promotion. White is also having more pawns (a deadly factor in endgames). White wins this position since Black king will have to stay in touch with c pawn thus losing his isolated h pawn.
HOW TO DEAL WITH DOUBLED PAWNS
Two pawns on same file are considered to be doubled pawns. Doubled pawns could be a target and front pawn is restricting backward pawn from advancing. Also, doubled isolated pawns are bigger weakness since they are limited in mobility. However, let us consider last example.
These doubled pawns can be used as defensive formation to restrict opponent attackers to exploit squares (in this position: b5 and d5)
I hope I helped you to understand that weakest piece on the board can be the first attacker and defender.
Thank you very much for reading.
