Weakening the pawn structure - Weakening the opponent’s position
Strategy - the magical side of chess.
1.2. Weakening the pawn structure
Weaknesses are an important element influencing the evaluation of the position. Pawn weaknesses can constitute a bigger problem than piece weaknesses. Pieces can easier be moved around, while pawns can’t move backwards. However, counting that the opponent will create the weaknesses by himself can finish like awaiting Godot. That’s why it is good to be a good Samaritan and help the opponent in this task.
Sapis Witalis - Doering Thomas
Legnica (Poland) 1992
White to move
White has two bishops and a slightly better position in the center. By playing 1.Bxc6 bxc6 2.dxe5 dxe5 3.Qa4, White creates series of pawn weaknesses, that he intends to attack. To achieve it, the queen will be needed, that’s why we don’t trade her.
Macieja Bartlomiej - Burstein Roman (1/4)
Polanica-Zdroj (Poland) 1996
White to move
By playing 1.b6, we are weakening the defense of the d6 pawn and we are opening the position on the queenside.
("Chess Strategy Explained"-Bartłomiej Macieja Witalis Sapis- Sawit 2021)
"These strategic manuals by two experienced trainers are a must for any instructor!
I recommend using them for students with USCF ratings ranging from 1300 to 2500.
I have read many instructional books since my junior years but never have I come
across such an easy-to-digest way of presenting examples—only a few moves with
simple, clear verbal explanations of the ideas from the players themselves! The
examples used vary in level of difficulty and going through all of them will only
solidify one’s strategic understanding. The exercise chapters (Chapter 3 for Vol 1
and Chapter 7 for Vol 2) add more instructive value as it can be used either as in-class
group exercises or individual homework. Any club leader, camp instructor or chess
coach will be able to find the topical chapters useful when preparing for their regular
lessons. And I won’t be surprised if they improve their strategic intuition as well in
the process!”
GM Julio Sadorra
Coach of University of Texas Dallas Chess Team
