Outpost: a practical example
A knight supported by a pawn on a central square may become difficult to dislodge if enemy pawns can no longer attack it. Its value depends on the targets it reaches and whether the opponent can exchange it favorably.
How to use the idea in your games
Do not call every advanced square an outpost. Check pawn challenges, piece exchanges, and access routes before investing several moves to occupy it.
A useful study question
Can you explain outpost in your own words, identify it in a position, and describe when the idea does not apply? Test the explanation on a legal board before relying on it.
Connect the ideas
Knight, Weak square, Pawn structure are useful next concepts. Follow the links to compare definitions and examples, then return to the complete chess glossary whenever an unfamiliar term appears.
Sources & further reading
References checked September 5, 2026. Linked services are independent of ChessRankings.com™.