The isolated queen's pawn

Kasparov and Karpov

An isolated d-pawn gives its owner space, activity and the e5 square for a knight, but in the endgame it becomes a weakness to attack.

Key ideas

1. With the isolated pawn: attack, and push d5 at the right moment.
2. Against it: trade pieces and blockade the square in front of it.
3. Every trade brings the endgame closer, in the defender's favour.

When to use it

In openings like the Queen's Gambit and the Alapin Sicilian.

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