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Reference / Chess

Isolated pawn

Concept, intermediate

Also called Isolani, IQP.

A pawn with no pawns of its own side on the files next to it, so no pawn can defend it.

An isolated pawn is a weakness in the endgame, because pieces must defend it. In the middlegame it can be a strength, giving open lines and outposts for an attack.

Related

  • Pawn structureThe arrangement of the pawns, which changes slowly and decides the plans for both sides.
  • Passed pawnA pawn with no enemy pawn in front of it, on its own file or on either file next to it, so only pieces can stop it.