Doubled Pawns — Strength or Weakness: a middlegame course

Doubled pawns can create weaknesses and useful files. Judge their support and activity in the actual position.

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

• The File the Doubling Opens — Use the file opened by a pawn recapture.
• The Extra Square — Use squares supported by the doubled pawns.
• Freeze the Doubled Pawns — Restrict the pawns’ useful advances.
• Attack the Front Pawn — Pressure a pawn whose defenders are limited.
• Use the Opponent’s Restricted Pawns — Check whether exchanges leave a favorable pawn ending.