Basic Pawn Strategy

Novice chess players usually overlook the Pawns, because of the value of the higher pieces, such as Knights and Bishops. But without skilful use of the Pawns, chess games are lost. Without a thorough comprehension of the Pawns power in almost every moment of the game, it is impossible for any player to attain a high degree of chess excellence.

If you know how to use the Pawns strategically, you'll quickly improve your chess game. Use these guidelines during your play.

Basic Pawn Strategies:

A general rule: it is not advisable to move the King's Knight's Pawn or Queen's Knight's Pawn early in the game.

Generally, Pawns should occupy the middle of the board. Here, they hold back the movements of the opponent's pieces. However, don't be to be too eager to establish two Pawns abreast in the centre until you are fully able to sustain them there.

When you have two Pawns abreast, the King and Queen's, (at their fourth squares), should the opponent attack one of them with a Pawn, it is sometimes better to advance the Pawn that is attacked another step, instead of taking the opponent's Pawn.

The Pawn that is usually attacked first is the King's Bishop's Pawn. That Pawn has no support but that of the King. It is seldom good play to move the King's Bishop's Pawn to Bishop's 3d too early in the game.

After castling: if you don't have to, don't move the Knight's Pawn that is before your King.

Unite Pawns, don't separate them: In a diagonal line of Pawns you should strive to protect the Pawn at the head of them.

A passed Pawn is mostly useful when supported by another Pawn.

A doubled Pawn

Generally considered bad, but not if the Pawn is united with other Pawns; while the most advantageous is the King's Bishop's Pawn doubled on the King's file--it strengthens your middle Pawns and opens a file for your King's Rook.

However, the worst kind of doubled Pawn is one on a Rook's file. Avoid.

Rule of thump: It is usually better to defend with a Pawn than with a higher value Piece. Likewise, it is better to protect a Pawn with a Pawn than with a Piece.

Until you know on which side your opponent castles, be cautious of advancing the Pawns too far on either side.

Push a Passed Pawn

The pawn becomes very powerful and threatening as it nears the final rank, also called queening square. Very often, your opponent will gladly give up a Knight or a Bishop or a Rook in order to stop a Pawn reaching the queening square.