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Strategy

Isolated pawn

A pawn with no friendly pawns on the files beside it, so no pawn can defend it.

An isolated pawn (often an isolated queen's pawn, the 'IQP') is a double-edged thing: it can be a weakness to be blockaded and won, or a source of space and open lines for active piece play.

The side with the IQP wants activity and attacks before the endgame; the side against it wants to trade pieces and win the pawn.

Why it matters

The IQP is one of the most common and instructive middlegame structures — knowing both sides of it is core strategy.

The mistake everyone makes

Trading all the pieces when you have the isolated pawn, walking straight into the endgame where it simply falls.

Related terms

Pawn structure
The arrangement of the pawns, which shapes the plans available to both sides.
Passed pawn
A pawn with no enemy pawns able to block or capture it on its way to promotion.
Blockade
Placing a piece directly in front of an enemy pawn to stop it advancing.
Strategy
The long-term plan — where pieces belong and which structures to aim for — as opposed to tactics.

See Isolated pawn in your own games

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