Pawn Formation Tier List (Part 1)
In this series I'm going to rank different pawn formations tier-by-tier, and also list their pros and cons.
Before we begin, I need to clarify what I mean by a pawn formation. A pawn formation is simply the way one player arranges their pawns. This is different from a pawn structure, which includes the pawn formations of BOTH players.
That said, let's begin with the f-tier. These are the pawn formations you want to avoid at all costs. If you get one of these formations in your structure, then unless you are about to win a lot of material or crash through with an attack, you're busted in the long run.
The Rectangle
This structure is characterized by two sets of doubled isolated pawns separated by one or more files. Obviously this structure is terrible, in all phases of the game. More likely than not, at least two of the pawns will be lost eventually.
Pros
- Creates anchor point in the middle file for an outpost
Cons
- All the squares in front of and in between the pawns are weak
- The pawns themselves are weak and easily taken by enemy rooks
- Provides no shelter for king
- Hinders minor piece scope
- Stopped by a single enemy pawn
Opening with this formation:
The Conga Line
Three (or more) pawns all in one file! This formation is almost as bad as the rectangle, but it's slightly less abysmal when not on an open file. But in the endgame, the structure is especially bad, since the rear pawns are basically worthless.
Pros
- Controls many squares on adjacent files
Cons
- Squares in front of the pawns are chronically weak
- Easy target for a rook in front or behind
- Hinders minor pieces
- Can be stopped by a single enemy pawn
Opening with this formation:
I'll be back next week with the d-tier pawn formations.
