I am looking for recommendations for websites or books that explain the secrets of pawn strategy. A few months ago, Kneecaps made this insightful reply, and it is material like this that I am searching for:
Originally posted by KneeCaps
"The rule of thumb for doubled Pawns is that if there are two united blocks of Pawns opposing each other and on the same files but separated from other Pawn blocks, the doubled Pawn does not count. But as soon as one has a Pawn on a file where the opponent has no Pawn, then the doubled Pawn does count when it is a question of forcing a passed Pawn." - Euwe
In the diagram below, the pawns are all on the same files. Here black's extra pawn is of no use. No matter how black advances he cannot force a passed pawn.
But in this diagram, where the pawn blocks are offset, black can advance and obtain a passed pawn. Play out both positions to see for yourself.
As a patzer, I enjoy finding small advantages and then simplifying the position to increase their relative value. And so it seems I am routinely confronted by all-out pawn wars - which are nearly always unclear to me.
I would like to find a treatise on pawn secrets and using pawns in combination with pieces other than the King. If such a source exists, or if there are particularly instructive games, please direct me to them.
Disclaimer, I am in the middle of a bout between Rooks and pawns; I am not asking for ideas or suggestions on the position. I am interested in learning more about different pawn situations.
Originally posted by TigerhouseYou don't need the doubled Pawns to force a Passed Pawn when the Pawn blocks are offset. I am not sure the doubling makes any difference at all in that case.
I am looking for recommendations for websites or books that explain the secrets of pawn strategy. A few months ago, Kneecaps made this insightful reply, and it is material like this that I am searching for:
Originally posted by KneeCaps
"The rule of thumb for doubled Pawns is that if there are two united blocks of Pawns opposing each othe uggestions on the position. I am interested in learning more about different pawn situations.
I suppose if the doubled Pawns are not side by side it might help a little bit.
Check out Nimzowich's My System. It's an amusing read with quite a bit about Pawn strategy in it.
Originally posted by AThousandYoungActually my post was not in response to the problem of forcing a passed pawn but rather what to do if you have the choice of which pawns to double.
You don't need the doubled Pawns to force a Passed Pawn when the Pawn blocks are offset. I am not sure the doubling makes any difference at all in that case.
I suppose if the doubled Pawns are not side by side it might help a little bit.
Check out Nimzowich's My System. It's an amusing read with quite a bit about Pawn strategy in it.
The advice came from Euwe's Chess Master vs Chess Amateur. A good book that shows common mistakes that amateurs make and how the master takes advantage of those mistakes.