Concept
Passed pawns: blockade and destroy
Nimzowitsch's rule: blockade and destroy. Plant a piece in front of the passer so it can't advance, then bring more attackers and eat it.
Remember
- • Passed pawn: no enemy pawn on its file or adjacent files.
- • Blockade first: a knight or king in front of the pawn stops it cold.
- • Destroy second: swing pieces around the blockader and capture.
- • A passed pawn two squares from promotion is nearly winning on its own.