Pawn chain: a practical example
White pawns on c3, d4, and e5 form a chain pointing toward the kingside. The c3 pawn is the base of this chain. Attacking the base can undermine the whole formation, though the best target depends on available pieces and pawn breaks.
How to use the idea in your games
Find both the base and the head of each chain. Consider which break you can support and how opening the structure will affect the bishops and kings.
A useful study question
Can you explain pawn chain 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
French Defense, Pawn structure, Bishop 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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