Positional Play in Chess

Pawn structure

This diagram, like the previous diagram, shows a contrast not likely to be seen in a real game.

The position of the Pawns, ignoring the position of all other pieces, is known as the pawn structure. A good pawn structure is one where the Pawns complement each other. They work together.

A bad pawn structure is one where the Pawns fail to complement each other. They work independent of each other. In the diagram, White has a good pawn structure, while Black's is very bad.

Index: Positional Play in Chess

1. The center
2. The center (cont.)
3. Open lines
4. Piece activity
5. Pawn structure
6. Strong and weak squares
7. Strong and weak squares (cont.)
8. King safety - middle game vs. endgame
9. King safety - middle game vs. endgame (cont.)
10. Summary