Passed pawn: a practical example
A passed pawn on the sixth rank can force an opposing rook or king into defensive duty. Its strength depends on support, blockade possibilities, and the activity of the remaining pieces, not merely on how far it has advanced.
How to use the idea in your games
Calculate promotion races with checks and tempo changes included. A pawn that looks unstoppable may still be stopped by a sacrifice, a fork after promotion, or a faster opposing pawn.
A useful study question
Can you explain passed pawn 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
Promotion, Rook, Rule of the square 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
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