Chess lessons › Chess strategy
Doubled pawns
Two pawns on one file cannot protect each other, but they can bring open files and the two bishops.
The idea
Two pawns on one file cannot protect each other.
- Black’s pawns on c6 and c7 stand on one file, so they are doubled.
- Only the pawn on b7 can protect c6, never the pawn on c7.
- In return Black has the two bishops and a half-open d-file.
In a game: When a capture would double your pawns, ask what it opens for your pieces.
How the lesson begins
Two pawns of one colour on the same file are doubled pawns. They come from a capture, since a pawn that takes moves to the next file.
This is the Exchange Variation of the Ruy Lopez. White’s bishop has just taken the knight on c6, and Black takes back with a pawn. Whichever pawn takes, Black’s c-pawns end up doubled.
Find the move
Black to move. Take back on c6 with a pawn. Your c-pawns will be doubled either way, so choose the capture that opens lines for your queen and your light-squared bishop.
A hint
Which of your pawns stands in front of your queen?
Show the answer
4... dxc6
dxc6 opens the d-file for your queen and the diagonal from c8 for your bishop. The engine prefers it to bxc6, which would also leave your a-pawn on its own.