In short: Pawns standing diagonally behind one another and protecting one another, for example white pawns on d4 and e5.
A pawn protects the squares diagonally in front of it. So if you put pawns diagonally behind one another, they protect each other, in a long line called a pawn chain. The frontmost pawn is called the head and the rearmost the base. The base is the only one in the chain that no pawn protects.
Attack the base
An old rule of thumb says a pawn chain should be attacked at its base. If the base falls, the next pawn is left without protection, and then the next. An attack on the head, on the other hand, can usually be met by the pawn behind it.
In the French Defense that is exactly Black's plan. White supports the base, and Black puts more pressure on it.
- 1.
- 2.
- 3.
- 4.
- 5.
Good to know
- The chain points out the plan. The head points toward the wing where the owner of the chain usually attacks. White's chain d4 and e5 points toward the kingside.
- A locked center. When the chains stand face to face, the center is locked, and play moves out to the wings. Read more about the center.
- Watch out for the bishop. A bishop that moves on the same color as its own pawns in the chain easily gets shut in. It is called a bad bishop.
Frequently asked questions
What are the base and the head of a pawn chain?
The base is the rearmost pawn, the one no other pawn in the chain protects. The head is the frontmost pawn.
Why attack the base?
The base holds up the whole chain. If it falls, the next pawn is left without protection, and then the next. An attack on the head can usually be met by the pawn behind it.
Updated October 31, 2026
3. e5