The Isolated Queen Pawn (IQP): chess middlegame concept

When you have (or face) a d-pawn with no friends

Isolated pawn: strength in the middlegame, weakness in the endgame. Owner attacks, defender trades down.

• Own the isolated pawn: keep pieces on, attack, use the strong squares.
• Face the isolated pawn: trade pieces, blockade, head for the endgame.
• A knight planted in front of the pawn is the defender's best friend.