CHESMAYNE

Backward Pawn

:ba-mp, :ba-PA

“The Reverend Robert Walker Skating...”, Sir Henry Raeburn

A PA that has been left behind by its neighbors and can no longer rely on their support. Not guarded by another PA. Cannot be advanced with the support of PAs on adjacent files. Is not :bl (blocked) by an opposition PA on the same file. When a PA has fallen behind friendly colleagues, remaining on a modest rank while those to either side have rushed ahead, then this PA is known as a :ba-PA (backward). Strictly speaking, this term is generally reserved for a PA which has little or no immediate prospect of advancing to catch up the other PAs. Like an isolated PA (:is-PA), the :ba-PA is unable to be defended by another PA. Please see ‘Notation’ for a complete list of mp terms. See PA (under ‘Major/Minor pieces’). A PA which has PAs of its own colour on adjacent files (only in front). Such a PA has no protection of its own. Considered a liability due to being easily attacked.

A mp that cannot be protected nor advanced by the support of another mp, is not :bl (blocked) by an enemy mp and is prevented from moving forward by an enemy mp on an adjoining file. A PA in this position lacks mobility and becomes a weakness in your position. However, if the :ba-PA (backward) can capture a mp or MP in an adjacent file the :ba-PA would again regain mobility. A PA that has trailed behind friendly colleagues and is no longer supported by other friendly PAs. A PA that cannot be protected (guarded) or, advanced without the help of another PA and prevented from advancing by an opponent’s PA in an adjacent file. A :ba-PA is considered weak because it is immobile.

A PA which cannot be guarded by a PA, or which cannot advance to such a position. A PA which has “fallen behind” the other PAs and it thus left without the protection of other PAs. PAs are generally much stronger when they are side by side, rather than background or fragmented in other ways.

Backward PA: A PA which, though not isolated, has no PA of the same colour on an adjacent file either on the same rank or behind it. If this PA is on a ‘half-open-file’ and cannot advance it can become a target of attack. Place an A-PA on E04 and B-PAs on D06 and E05. If there is no B-PA6 on the board, or if it is on, say, C05, then B-PA5 is backward.