Concepts · Pawn Structure

Doubled Pawns

Two pawns on one file cannot defend each other and the rear one rarely becomes a passed pawn. They are usually accepted for something — an open file, a central grip — and the game asks whether that something was worth it.

Key ideas

Accepted for an open file or the centre
The rear pawn is the weak one
Fewer pawn islands are better

Watch

Games that teach doubled pawns

1 game

London SystemD0218:04

How Capablanca Beat Kreymborg with the London System | Attack, Strategy & Pawn Structure

Jose Raul Capablanca vs Alfred Kreymborg

Attack, Strategy & Pawn Structure: what Capablanca vs Kreymborg (London System) teaches. Both sides attack the other’s king with pawns and pieces — who is faster, and why every tempo counts.

Opposite-Side Castling
Pawn Break
Hanging Pawns
Doubled Pawns

NYSCA ch26 Feb 19101-0