The Pawn Chain — Attack the Base: a middlegame course

In a pawn chain, the rear pawn lacks support from another pawn in that chain. Prepare a break against it.

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

• Target the Base — Identify the pawn supporting the rest of the chain.
• Play the Base Lever — Prepare a pawn advance that challenges the base.
• Support the Pawn Break — Place pieces to use the lines a pawn exchange could open.
• Open the File — Choose the exchange that opens a useful file.
• Collect the Head Pawn — After removing support, check whether the forward pawn can be captured.