Concepts · Pawn Structure

Passed Pawn

A passed pawn has no enemy pawn in front of it or on the neighbouring files, so only pieces can stop it. It ties a piece to blockading it and can decide the endgame.

Key ideas

Blockade it with a piece, ideally a knight
Its value rises as pieces come off
The rook belongs behind it

Watch

Games that teach passed pawn

1 game

Sicilian Defense: Alapin VariationB2222:38

Alapin Sicilian Explained Through a Wild Game | Plans, Pawn Structure & Turning Points

Tenezaca, Cristian vs El, Rozak

Pawn Structure, Plans & Piece Activity: what Tenezaca vs El (Alapin Variation) teaches. How White's passed d-pawn is created, supported and pushed — and what it costs the other side to stop it.

Passed Pawn
Doubled Pawns
Hanging Pawns
Opening Plan

Olymp 2026 Open19 Sept 20261-0