How to Form Winning Plans by Looking at the Pawn Structure

The video on Greco:    • Is Modern Chess Just Footnotes to Greco?  

Kasparov - Ivanovic, 1983: https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chess...

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00:00 Greco - NN
08:23 Position 2
12:25 Position 3 (Turtle Walk Pattern)
16:07 Position 4
21:26 Homework (Kasparov - Ivanovic)

In this video, we explore how to form winning chess plans by looking at the pawn structure. Pawn chains reveal the direction of play, and understanding them helps you know exactly where and how to attack. Using classic examples like Greco’s French Defense and modern games from top players, you’ll see how simple pawn moves can open decisive attacking chances. You’ll also learn why keeping strong pieces, avoiding premature trades, and following the flow of the pawn chain leads to long-term success in the middlegame.

This lesson highlights practical strategies every chess player needs, including the famous “Greek gift” sacrifice, the stabilizing power of pawn moves, and advanced ideas like the “turtle walk” to dislodge key pieces. Whether you’re a beginner or a club player, mastering pawn structures will improve your planning skills, sharpen your middlegame strategy, and give you confidence to convert advantages. Importantly, you will gain a deeper understanding by always asking the 'why' questions instead of blindly memorizing moves.

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