Strategy & opening play
Isolated pawn
An isolated pawn has no friendly pawn on either adjacent file, so it cannot be protected by another pawn. The isolated queen’s pawn on the d-file is especially well known. It can become a target, but often provides space and active squares for pieces.
A practical example
A white pawn on d4 without friendly c- or e-pawns is isolated. White may use active pieces for an attack or prepare d5. Black often tries to blockade the pawn and exchange attacking pieces.
A common mistake
Only defending the pawn while exchanging every active piece. This can remove dynamic compensation. A premature pawn push that loses the pawn without enough benefit is also a mistake.
Try this in your next review
Consider both sides: which active squares and open files does the structure offer? Can the square in front of the pawn be blockaded? Compare middlegame chances with the likely endgame.