Strategy & opening play
Weak squares
A weak square is difficult to defend, especially when it can no longer be attacked by a friendly pawn. It becomes valuable to the opponent if a piece can occupy it safely and act effectively. Not every undefended square has strategic importance.
A practical example
After Black’s c- and e-pawns advance, d5 may become an excellent square for a white knight. If pawns cannot drive it away and it attacks important targets, it forms a strong outpost.
A common mistake
Placing a piece on an attractive square where it achieves nothing or can easily be exchanged. An outpost is useful only when it supports the other pieces and a concrete plan.
Try this in your next review
After each pawn move, identify permanently weakened squares. Find a route for your least active piece to a useful square and calculate the opponent’s possible exchanges.