Weak square: a practical example
Advancing a pawn can leave a permanent hole behind it. An opposing knight or bishop may then use that square to attack nearby targets or support an invasion, especially if the defending side cannot exchange the intruding piece.
How to use the idea in your games
Before moving a pawn, identify what it no longer controls. A weakness matters most when the opponent can reach it and use it, so always evaluate practical access.
A useful study question
Can you explain weak square 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
Outpost, Pawn structure, Prophylaxis 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™.