In short: A pawn, usually on b2 or b7, that the queen can take, but only at great risk.
The pawn on b2, and for Black the pawn on b7, is protected at the start only by the bishop on c1 or c8. Once the bishop has left, the pawn often stands unprotected, and the enemy queen can take it. It looks like a free pawn, but it rarely is.
Why it is dangerous to take
- The queen ends up far away. On b2 or b7 the queen is far from her own king and from the fight in the center.
- It costs time. While the queen goes there and back, your opponent gets the pieces out and often opens lines toward your king.
- The queen can be trapped. Near the corner the queen has few squares to escape to. Read about trapped pieces.
The most famous poisoned pawn
In the Najdorf Variation of the Sicilian Defense there is a line where Black breaks every rule of the opening and takes the pawn on b2 with the queen. White gets a big lead in development and an attack, but Black can often hold.
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It is counted as the sharpest line after 6. Bg5 e6 7. f4. It also shows that a poisoned pawn isn't always off limits. You just have to calculate carefully before you take it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the poisoned pawn always bad to take?
No. Sometimes it can be taken, but the queen spends time and goes far from home. You have to calculate carefully before you take it.
What is the Poisoned Pawn Variation?
A line of the Najdorf Sicilian where Black plays 7... Qb6 and 8... Qxb2. White gets a big lead in development and an attack, but Black can often hold.
Updated November 14, 2026
7. f4