Game Spotlight: Pawn Trouble

Pawns are among the more difficult pieces to play well.  For one, every move with a pawn is permanent — they’re the only piece that can’t move backwards.  But the issue I want to look at here is how the choices we make during a game with our pawns impact the endgame.

It’s very important to know your pawn endgames.  Here, being more aware of the potential of an outside passed pawn would have avoided Black’s blunder.  Also, if you’re going to initiate a pawn exchange, you need to have a good idea of what the board will look like afterwards.

This weekend is the 60th NCC Open Tournament.  Good luck to all those taking part.