Home › Sports › Chess › Isolated pawn

What is Isolated pawn in Chess?

A pawn with no friendly pawns on the files next to it, so it can never be defended by another pawn. It is a long-term weakness, but the open lines around it can give its owner active piece play — a central tension in many openings.

Example: White accepted an isolated queen's pawn in return for free-flowing pieces.

Related terms

CheckCheckmateStalemateCastlingEn passantPromotionUnderpromotionFork
Full Chess guide