Backward Pawn & the Outpost in Front of It: a middlegame course

A backward pawn can become a target when it cannot safely advance. Use the square in front and the nearby file.

5 lessons, each followed by its own puzzle drill, then 10 themed puzzle packs.

• Fix the Backward Pawn — Control the pawn’s advance square.
• Occupy the Outpost — Occupy a useful square the pawn cannot readily challenge.
• Pressure the Half-Open File — Attack the pawn along the half-open file.
• Trade the Challenger — Consider exchanging a piece that can challenge your outpost.
• Remove the Pawn’s Defender — Remove a defender before capturing the pawn.