Definition of "saddling" in chess

Hi everyone,

I have encountered the term "to saddle" in a number of sources, usually in a context similar to e.g. : "Black has saddled White with a pawn on e3".

For example, the above is from an analysis found in "Fundamental Chess Openings" by Paul van der Sterren (p. 29), where he says that at this point "Black has 'saddled' his opponent with a strong pawn-centre".

However I have been unable to locate a definition for this term so far. I'd really appreciate any feedback or pointers you might have that can clarify what is the meaning of the term in chess terminology.


Many thanks,
Ofkain

Horses and mules were often used as pack animals, often carried over a saddle.

When people carry a great weight, or responsibility, it is sometimes said they are saddled with a burden- one that they can not easily throw off.

To be saddled with something is to carry an ongoing difficult burden.

In the case you cite, however, the strong center is not a burden. It is an advantage.

The author was being somewhat sarcastic.

I see, thank you very much for your reply justbefair, much appreciated. Seeing it in a number of places made me think maybe I was ignoring some terminology and that it had a more specific tactics-based definition for chess I did not know. I guess the sarcasm in this particular instance threw me off a bit too, since I couldn't see a strong pawn center being considered a burden.

Thanks again for your feedback!
Ofkain