Pawn Chains

A group of pawns that protect each other on a diagonal is called a pawn chain. The only unprotected pawn in the chain is the base pawn at the back. Pawn chains can restrict the opponent's pieces and help each other advance in the endgame.

---

When a pawn chain starts moving, watch out because trouble is coming, but also opportunities to break the chain.

White is already threatening to promote the d pawn, the king needs to act fast.

But white can protect the chain again with a simple move.

A promotion is now unstoppable, black is lost.