Preface The positional elements presented, explored and illustrated
in this book are as essential a part of the chessplayer's equipment as a knowledge of tactical ideas or the ability
to evolve and calculate combinations.
p.12 Freedom [greater piece mobility] for one side often implies
restriction for the other
p.15 In their initial positions the two ranks of pawns look remarkably like the edges of the board, denying
to the opponent the use of any squares beyond the fifth rank... From the outset it is clear that pawns have an enormous
influence on space and hence the freedom of the pieces.
p.22 Pawn moves and exchanges are important for the way in which they free or constrict the movement
of pieces... We will consider closely what is happening when a pawn advances.
1. Diagonals are opening and closing.
2. Space is being created behind the pawn on its file: space is being reduced in front.
3. The clearance of the square from which the pawn moves assists in clearing the rank through that
square and, therefore, movement upon it.
4. The pawn travels further away from friendly forces and nearer to the enemy and so the need for
its defence will increase.
5. The new square which the pawn occupies prevents you using that square for a piece until the pawn
moves again.
p.68-69 The weakness of doubled pawns is obvious in the endgame... in the
early stages of the game, the appearance of a doubled pawn complex, particularly in the centre, can be an advantage,
providing additional power there.
p.135 Provided other factors are equal... the advance of the pawns grants more territory to their
owner and denies it to the enemy. Thus the process of restriction begins.
