Strategy
Pawn structure basics
The skeleton of the position
The idea
Pawns don't move backward, so pawn structure is the most permanent feature of any position. Doubled pawns (two on the same file) are usually weak. Isolated pawns (no friendly pawns on adjacent files) are weak. Passed pawns (no enemy pawns blocking or attacking their path to promotion) are strong. Strategy often boils down to creating good pawn structures for yourself and damaging the opponent's.
Example 1 of 1
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a1
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
A passed d4 pawn — nothing can stop it from promoting if it gets across.
2
Try it
Your move
Push your passed pawn toward promotion.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a1
b
c
d
e
f
g
h