Skip to content
TheChessWorld.com
TheChessWorld Facebook TheChessWorld Twitter TheChessWorld Pinterest TheChessWorld YouTube
  • Start Here
  • Play
  • Learn
    • Training Techniques
    • Openings
    • Middlegame
    • Endgames
    • General Information
  • Tournaments
  • Academy
  • 21-Day Course
  • Store
    • TheChessWorld
    • TCW Academy
    • Chess-Teacher
    • Modern Chess
    • Roman Chess Lab
    • Foxy Chess
    • Grandmaster Magazine
    • ChessLecture
    • ICC
    • Rules Chess Strategies
    • Others
  • Contact
TheChessWorld.com
Close

Typical Pawn Formations: The Staunton Pawn Structure

WGM Raluca Sgîrcea, IM Renier Castellanos
WGM Raluca Sgîrcea, IM Renier Castellanos
11.09.2015
Category: Openings
Tags: chess openings, staunton pawn structure
Typical Pawn Formations: The Staunton Pawn Structure

Staunton Pawn Structure or the so-called Arab Pawn Structure can be found on the board very often in the English Opening. It is probably one of the most aesthetic pawn formations, with 4 pawns in the center accompanied by the knight pawns one square behind. With a little imagination, we can think of a castle with two towers on each side.

But there is a lot more than just beauty to this pawn structure. In fact, it is a very efficient way of putting pressure on the opponent’s position. The two further advanced pawns, in this case, c4 and f4, control the enemy’s territory – d5 and e5, as well as b5 and g5. The pair of back pawns on d3 and e3 guard white’s center (e4, d4) and at the same time support the pillars of c4 / f4.

Staunton Pawn Structure – Introduction

These pawns are also ready to advance anytime in the future in case a central pawn break is needed. Finally, there are the knight pawns, on b3 and g3, which serve as support. Usually, the queenside pawn is more flexible and you can advance it in order to grab more space on that flank. In the early days, this pawn setup was considered the best opening for white.

Introduction

The piece set up behind this pawn structure is also quite interesting. The bishops will both control the long diagonals a1-h8 / h1-a8, while the knights are developed on c3 and usually on e2, although this knight can sometimes be found on h3 or on h4.

Finally, the queen goes to d2, defending e3 (potentially the weakest link in white’s formation after the bishop is moved to b2) and also communicating with the rooks. Both rooks have the freedom to move depending on the plan chosen. For example, they can be on f1-e1 if white wants to push e3-e4 and attack the kingside, or they can be on the queenside if it is here where the actions are taking place.

Ready to start systematic training that actually works?

start chess training

Click here to start your training using the day-by-day program.

Here is one example of how it looks:

staunton pawn stucture

This pawn structure is not exclusive to the English Opening. It can also be found in the Sicilian. For example, against the Closed Variation, this setup is among the most popular ways to play for black. Let’s have a look now at some examples to see the action in such structures. We will also see how one side can strive for such pawn formation even though it was not the initial plan right from the opening.

Staunton Pawn Structure – Example 1

14...f5

Here we have a semi-closed position. Things have gone really well for black with the bishop pair being his main asset. In this position, the great Garry Kasparov played the typical 14…f5! with two main targets. The first is to stop any possible attack by white advancing his f4 pawn and the second, and most important, is to undermine white’s center and give his bishop on b7 a strong influence in the position. This game is well-known, you can see how it continued below:

Example 2: The Closed Sicilian

The Closed Sicilian

The position in the diagram above is from the game between Spassky and Portisch from the World Candidates in Mexico in 1980. Portisch chose to play in the center, so instead of the plan Rb8-b5, gaining space on the queenside, he decided to play it solid with b6-Bb7 in the Staunton style. Again, black is able to execute here the move f5! obtaining good play. Black went on to win on move 38.

Want to know more about The Closed Sicilian? Here is How to Play Against It: The Old Recipe.

Example 3

staunton pawn stucture

This diagram belongs to the game between Granda and Benjamin. Grandmaster Julio Granda understands these positions very well and has employed this system quite often. Here he plays an interesting idea, bringing his queenside knight to f2 in order to control g4-e4. Later on, he brought his rook to e1 and opened the game by pushing e3-e4.

Staunton Pawn Structure – Tactics

Tactics

White to play!

While doing our research on this particular pawn structure, we came across this position and we wanted to share it with our readers. You can find the solution and the full game below:

We hope you have enjoyed this article; it was really interesting to discover so many games with this structure. As we can see the positions are rich in ideas and they can arise from the most popular openings.

Want to know more about The English Opening? Here are A Solid Weapon for Attacking Players, This Opening with IM Valeri Lilov [TCW Academy] as well as 10 Best Chess Games on It.

If you want to improve your chess level, you need to have a clear study plan. If you aim for a dramatic improvement at chess you need to work on all of the elements of the game in a systematic way:

  • tactics
  • positional play
  • attacking skills
  • endgame technique
  • classical games analysis
  • psychological preparation
  • and much more

That seems to be like a lot of things, and that is. But no worries, we have made it easy for you. Our comprehensive training course covers it all and much more. Sign up for 21 Day Training right now!

Find this post useful? Share it?
Become a Chess Player You've Meant to Be!
TCW Academy is the fast, fun & convenient way to become a MUCH better chess player.
Join Academy Today!

Related Posts

  • Chess Openings: How to Learn Them? The Complete GuideChess Openings: How to Learn Them? The Complete Guide
  • Openings: 10 Best Systems for BeginnersOpenings: 10 Best Systems for Beginners
  • 1.e4 Fianchetto System with FM Zaur Tekeyev [TCW Academy]1.e4 Fianchetto System with FM Zaur Tekeyev [TCW Academy]
Related Products
0 0 votes
Article Rating
Login
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Join the FREE Road to 2200 Masterclass (and learn how to Attack Like a Chess Master)
We value your privacy
Supercharge Your Chess in 21 Days!
Join Academy Today!
TheChessWorld.com
http://pogonina.com/
Company
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • F.A.Q.
  • Partnership
  • Blog
  • Grandmasters
  • Jobs
Chess Resources
  • TCW Academy
  • The Store
  • 21 Day Course
  • Play Computer
Top Resources
  • Opening Lab
  • Mastermind
  • Chess Mastery Series
  • Academy
100% Secure Purchase
Money Back PayPal SSL Comodo
Customer Support +1 (410) 656-9104
Email Us [email protected]
Contact Us
Facebook Twitter Mail Pinterest Youtube
Copyright 2007-2023 • TheChessWorld.com • All Rights Reserved
Cookie Policy | Acceptable Use Policy | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of all the cookies.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT
wpDiscuz