A Simple Rule for Knowing Where to Attack

I first learned this rule as a child, and its simplicity makes it easy to remember: "Attack where the pawns point"

What Does "Where the Pawns Point" Mean?

The direction of your pawns often indicates the side of the board you should focus on. For example, consider the French Defense or the classic Carlsbad structure. In these cases, the pawn chains naturally suggest where you should launch your attack.
Let’s take an example from the first round of the world chess championship where ding won as black in the french.

The Carlsbad structure, for instance, frequently arises in the Exchange Variation of the Queen’s Gambit Declined or the Exchange Caro-Kann. The pawns’ orientation provides a clear signal of the best area to target.

What if the Center Isn’t Fixed?

In dynamic positions where the pawn structure is fluid, the approach shifts slightly. As my childhood coach put it:

“If your boxing opponent punches you on your side, where should you punch? Their face!”

This analogy emphasizes the importance of countering an opponent’s flank attack by striking in the center.
For instance, a recent game I was watching from the 3rd International President Cup, Tashkent 2024, illustrates this:

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Conclusion

Understanding where to attack is important in chess. The rule to "attack where the pawns point" is a reliable rule for static positions, while the principle of counterattacking in the middle shines whenever the center isn’t locked.