Concepts · Pieces & Activity

Weak Square

A square that no pawn can defend any longer. Once the pieces that cover it are gone, it becomes a home for an enemy piece and a lasting target.

Key ideas

Created by pawn advances and exchanges
The square in front of a backward pawn is the classic case
Occupy it, or trade the piece that would

Watch

Games that teach weak square

1 game

Also covered in

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Liren, Ding vs Nepomniachtchi, Ian

A small weakness quietly decides this World Championship game. Ding Liren against Ian Nepomniachtchi. Watch how one lasting edge grows until resignation follows.

Backward Pawn
Open File
Weak Square
Opening Plan

FIDE World Championship 202316 Apr 20231-0