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Endgame

Passed pawn

A pawn with no enemy pawns able to block or capture it on its way to promotion.

A passed pawn is a long-term asset because it threatens to promote. In the endgame it can tie down enemy pieces or simply queen.

Aron Nimzowitsch's advice still holds: a passed pawn is a criminal that should be kept under lock and key — or pushed hard, depending on which side of it you are.

Why it matters

Endgames are frequently decided by who has the more dangerous passed pawn and whose king can stop it.

The mistake everyone makes

Pushing a passed pawn too early with no support, letting the enemy king or a piece round it up.

Related terms

Pawn structure
The arrangement of the pawns, which shapes the plans available to both sides.
Promotion
A pawn reaching the last rank becomes any piece you choose — almost always a queen.
King activity
In the endgame the king becomes a strong piece and should march toward the action.

See Passed pawn in your own games

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