Answers.Body: <p>Alexander Baburin has actually written a whole book on the IQP called "Winning Pawn Structures". Although his personal bias is evident from the title his book is relatively even handed with a large section dedicated to "Disadvantages of the isolated d-pawn" which basically gives many examples and principles of how to deal with the isolani.</p>
  
  <p>Whether you want to make a study of the IQP or not this is a useful book which gives many examples of attacking play in IQP positions which can carry over into the rest of your play.</p>
  
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Answers.CreationDate: 2014-12-27T10:25:15.543Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2014-12-27T10:25:15.543Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: Brian Towers
Answers.Body: <p>First of all, the isolated pawn is <strong>a dynamic strength</strong>, and <strong>a static weakness</strong>. </p>
  
  <p>But what does this mean? </p>
  
  <p>This means that he represents a pawn weakness, but compensates this weakness in some other way. In short, Black should <strong>strive towards endgame</strong>, while White <strong>must obtain some sort of pressure/attack</strong> in order to compensate for his weak <code>d-pawn</code>.</p>
  
  <p>Why is this so, and can Black/White achieve his plan? This will be the topic of the text below.</p>
  
  <h2>Characteristics of the Isolated pawn:</h2>
  
  <p><strong>If left alone and unhindered, it will expand and cramp the enemy, yet if blockaded it becomes a target and a bottleneck.</strong></p>
  
  <p>The shortcomings of the isolated pawn are inability to defend it with another pawn and the fact that the square in front of him ( and sometimes the squares around him too ) is weak and can be used as a strong-point for the opponents pieces. This is most evident in the endgame. Aside from that, the benefits of the isolated pawn are seen in the middlegame in view of space advantage,open lines and aggressive strong-points in the center, especially the <code>e5</code> square.</p>
  
  <blockquote>
    <p>What should Black's plan be in Isolated Queen Pawn Openings like this one arising from the Caro-Kann Panov attack?</p>
  </blockquote>
  
  <p>These plans are typical and well explored. Opening moves just make some plans possible and some not.</p>
  
  <h2>Plans for both sides in the position with Isolated pawn:</h2>
  
  <p>Here is a short summary of the plans for both sides:</p>
  
  <p><em>Plans for the side with the isolated pawn :</em></p>
  
  <ol>
  <li><p>Attack on the kingside;</p></li>
  <li><p>Favorable opening of the center;</p></li>
  <li><p>Advancing the isolated pawn in order to cramp the opponent;</p></li>
  <li><p>Development of initiative on the queenside;</p></li>
  </ol>
  
  <p><em>Plans for the side fighting against the isolated pawn :</em></p>
  
  <ol>
  <li><p>Simplification of the game with goal to transpose into favorable endgame;</p></li>
  <li><p>Transposing into the position with hanging pawns;</p></li>
  </ol>
  
  <p>In order to help you better grasp these plans here are the illustrative games:</p>
  
  <p><em>Plan for side with the isolated pawn: Attack on the kingside :</em></p>
  
  <p><a href="http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1032693">Botvinik-Tolush, Moscow 1965</a> is a good example for this. The key idea is to push <code>f4!</code>, which gives White the attack. <a href="http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1126749">Smyslov-Ribli, London 1983 seventh game</a> is another good example.</p>
  
  <p><em>Plan for side with the isolated pawn: Favorable opening of the center :</em></p>
  
  <p><a href="http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1488147">Spassky-Avtonomov, Leningrad 1949</a> is a good example. Pay attention to White's <code>d5!</code> push, opening lines and activating his pieces.</p>
  
  <p><em>Plan for side with the isolated pawn: Advancing the isolated pawn in order to cramp the opponent :</em></p>
  
  <p><a href="http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1265741">Novoteljnov-Bondarevski, Moscow 1951</a> is one  good example. Pay attention to <code>12...d4!</code>.</p>
  
  <p><em>Plan for side with the isolated pawn: Development of initiative on the queenside :</em></p>
  
  <p>This happens rarely, but I was able to find illustrative game. Notice how Black exploits queenside weaknesses with <code>16...Qb5</code> to increase his initiative in the game <code>Bitman-Zlotnik, Moscow 1979</code>. I can not find online resource for this game.</p>
  
  <p>Now after seeing plans for the side with isolated pawn we must examine plans for the side fighting the isolated pawn:</p>
  
  <p><em>Plan for side fighting the isolated pawn: Simplification of the game with goal to transpose into favorable endgame :</em></p>
  
  <p><a href="http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1068095">Karpov-Spassky, Montreal 1979</a> is a very good example. </p>
  
  <p><em>Plan for side fighting the isolated pawn: Transposing into the position with hanging pawns :</em></p>
  
  <p><a href="http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1132645">Zukertort-Steinitz, Vienna 1886</a> is a classical example. Notice how Steinitz exchanged pieces, thus reducing White's attacking potential. <strong>As soon as White is not able to attack</strong> he starts to stand worse due to the weakness of the isolated pawn.</p>
  
  <p><a href="http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1353264">Furman-Kholmov, Kiev 1954</a> and <a href="http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1067784">Taimanov-Karpov, Moscow 1973</a> are very good examples of a positional approach. However, you might be forced to destroy hanging pawns dynamically like in <a href="http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1106531">Petrosian-Smyslov, Moscow 1961</a>.  Pay attention to <code>18...Rxc3!</code> strike.</p>
  
  <pre><code>But how does all this apply for your line in Panov attack?
  </code></pre>
  
  <p><strong><em>Typical plans in the position with isolated pawn are not opening dependent. Opening moves can only enable some plans and make others impossible to execute, but no matter what opening you play the typical plans remain the same.</em></strong> </p>
  
  <p>This is very important to know. In order to choose proper plan you must know the current opening theory. </p>
  
  <p>I believe that little has changed and that you will have to implement the plan of transforming White isolated pawn into hanging pawns, and then attack them. </p>
  
  <p>You should also <strong>cement a piece on <code>d5</code></strong> and <strong>avoid transformation of the current pawn structure</strong>, unless it favors you ( hanging pawns as I have said, are the only good pawn structure for you, others favor White ). As said, 4 minor pieces on the board are good for White, 3 is unclear and everything else favors Black.</p>
  
  <p>Just exchange smart and you will be on a good way to at least draw. </p>
  
  <p>The paramount importance is the opening play. If you get good position from opening, then <strong>it will be easier for you to play the position</strong> as your plans are clear and straightforward. White on the other hand has to generate an attack which is not that easy, and usually will have to be satisfied with a small space advantage.</p>
  
  <h2>ILLUSTRATIVE GAMES FROM OP's OPENING:</h2>
  
  <p>We shall analyze games #2 and #6 <a href="http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chess.pl?tid=55432">from Kamsky-Karpov, Elista 1996</a> which will hopefully help you grasp the above mentioned concepts:</p>
  
  <p>First quickly play through the games 2 and 6. You will notice that everything was the same until move 12 where Black first played <code>Bd7</code> and <code>Rc8</code>, <strong>sticking to passive defense,</strong> while in the game 6 he played more active <code>Qb6</code> which allowed him to exchange few pieces.</p>
  
  <p>Notice how in the second game Black was cramped due to the presence of 4 minor pieces on the board and because he had no counterplay. Also pay attention to <code>45.f4!</code> that launched a kingside attack. <strong>This is the topic we covered above under <em>kingside attack</em>.</strong> The attack was possible due to the <code>18.d5!</code> <strong>which opens center favorably</strong>, again <strong>we mentioned that too under <em>favorable opening of the center</em>.</strong></p>
  
  <p>Now look how Black stood much better when he played actively, and when he <strong>exchanged a minor piece.</strong> Notice how <strong>he had more space to maneuver</strong>, and notice how he <strong>immediately took <code>d5</code> square, and other ones around the <code>d4</code> pawn, under his control.</strong> This is important! "Cementing" a piece on <code>d5</code> hinders opponent's attacking potential. Pay really good attention to this. After <code>23.Bxf5</code> we can see that <strong>White has lost his space advantage</strong>, and now Black got fully equal game since only 2 minor pieces were left. Black equalized by <strong>keeping the squares around isolated pawn "in check".</strong> Also, <strong>he had enough space</strong> to properly regroup his pieces for defense and counter attack.</p>
  
  <p>Another highly instructive game is <a href="http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1111037">J.Polgar-V.Smyslov, Aruba 1992</a>. Just look how Black exchanged the queens with <code>9...Qb6!</code> and <code>10...Ba5!</code>and then look how White's isolated pawn became <strong>instantly</strong> weak when he was not able to attack anymore. Black had pressure in that game in the end but since there were 4 minor pieces White had enough defenders for his weak pawn.</p>
  
  <h2>A CONCRETE PLAN SUGGESTION FOR THE OP's POSITION:</h2>
  
  <p>I used to play Caro-Kann, so in the position you mention my plan would be:</p>
  
  <ol>
  <li>To finish my development.</li>
  <li><strong>Exchange at least one minor piece.</strong></li>
  <li>Solve the problem of developing my light-squared bishop, usually by playing <code>b6+Bb7</code> or by playing <code>Rd8+Bd7+Be8</code>. These are typical maneuvers for Black.</li>
  </ol>
  
  <p>At that point opening ends and starts the middlegame. There you can try to implement one of the 2 above mentioned plans. It all depends from White's moves. Still, you will probably exchange knights on <code>c3</code> and maybe dark-squared bishops, which will result in the pawn structure with the hanging pawns.</p>
  
  <p>About the move order in your post:</p>
  
  <p>White takes on <code>d5</code> too early, so all kind of options are possible for you. Still, you have 3 good moves as Black after he plays: <code>Nc6</code>, <code>Bb4</code>, <code>Be7</code>. Personally, I prefer solidity above all, so I would choose <code>Be7</code> but the best move in my opinion is <code>Bb4</code>.</p>
  
  <p>Again I must stress that it is of paramount importance to leave the opening with equal position. The same goes for White too.</p>
  
  <h2>SUMMARY:</h2>
  
  <p>For detailed explanation of plans in the Isolated pawn position consult the following books:</p>
  
  <p><em>I.Sokolov-Winning chess middlegames</em>, <em>Baburin-Winning Pawn Structures</em> and especially <em>B.A.Zlotnik-Typical middlegame positions</em>. The last book is pure gold and is out of print, but still try to find it.</p>
  
  <p>As for Caro-Kann, Panov attack you should get Karpov's book <em>A.Karpov &amp; M.Podgaets-Caro-Kann defense Panov Attack, Batsford 2006</em>. It is entirely devoted to Panov attack, and I think it is outstanding.</p>
  
  <p>Sorry for scarce information, but there is just too much to be said for this topic that it wouldn't fit here. So if you have follow up questions just leave a comment.</p>
  
  <p>Best regards.</p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2014-04-20T14:33:33.070Z
Answers.Text: To the book list, add the classic _Winning Pawn Structures_ by Baburin, which is entirely about IQP positions (and hanging pawn positions that often lead to IQP positions). It's the best, but also hard to get.
Answers.UserDisplayName: RemcoGerlich
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2014-04-20T14:35:54.110Z
Answers.Text: @RemcoGerlich: Added. Best regards.
Answers.UserDisplayName: AlwaysLearningNewStuff
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2014-03-15T05:57:29.013Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2014-04-20T14:35:34.277Z
Answers.LastEditDate: 2014-04-20T14:35:34.277Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: AlwaysLearningNewStuff
Body: <p>What should Black's plan be in Isolated Queen Pawn Openings like this one arising from the Caro-Kann Panov attack?</p>
  
  <pre>
  <code>
  
      [fen ""]
      1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 cxd5 4.c4 e6 5.Nc3 Nf6 6.cxd5 Nxd5
  
  </code>
  </pre>
  
Tags: <strategy><pawn-structure><caro-kann><isolated-pawn>
Title: Strategy in Isolated Queen Pawn Positions
ThreadText: # Strategy in Isolated Queen Pawn Positions
  
  (Asked by: username_0 on 2014-03-15)
  
  What should Black's plan be in Isolated Queen Pawn Openings like this one arising from the Caro-Kann Panov attack?
  
  ```
  
      [fen ""]
      1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 cxd5 4.c4 e6 5.Nc3 Nf6 6.cxd5 Nxd5
  
  ```
  
  **Tags:** strategy, pawn-structure, caro-kann, isolated-pawn
  
  
  ---
  
  ## 2 answers
  
  ### Answer by username_2 on 2014-03-15. Score: 21 | Accepted answer
  
  First of all, the isolated pawn is **a dynamic strength**, and **a static weakness**.
  
  But what does this mean?
  
  This means that he represents a pawn weakness, but compensates this weakness in some other way. In short, Black should **strive towards endgame**, while White **must obtain some sort of pressure/attack** in order to compensate for his weak `d-pawn`.
  
  Why is this so, and can Black/White achieve his plan? This will be the topic of the text below.
  
  ## Characteristics of the Isolated pawn:
  
  **If left alone and unhindered, it will expand and cramp the enemy, yet if blockaded it becomes a target and a bottleneck.**
  
  The shortcomings of the isolated pawn are inability to defend it with another pawn and the fact that the square in front of him ( and sometimes the squares around him too ) is weak and can be used as a strong-point for the opponents pieces. This is most evident in the endgame. Aside from that, the benefits of the isolated pawn are seen in the middlegame in view of space advantage,open lines and aggressive strong-points in the center, especially the `e5` square.
  
  > What should Black's plan be in Isolated Queen Pawn Openings like this one arising from the Caro-Kann Panov attack?
  
  These plans are typical and well explored. Opening moves just make some plans possible and some not.
  
  ## Plans for both sides in the position with Isolated pawn:
  
  Here is a short summary of the plans for both sides:
  
  *Plans for the side with the isolated pawn :*
  
  1. Attack on the kingside;
  2. Favorable opening of the center;
  3. Advancing the isolated pawn in order to cramp the opponent;
  4. Development of initiative on the queenside;
  
  *Plans for the side fighting against the isolated pawn :*
  
  1. Simplification of the game with goal to transpose into favorable endgame;
  2. Transposing into the position with hanging pawns;
  
  In order to help you better grasp these plans here are the illustrative games:
  
  *Plan for side with the isolated pawn: Attack on the kingside :*
  
  [Botvinik-Tolush, Moscow 1965](http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1032693) is a good example for this. The key idea is to push `f4!`, which gives White the attack. [Smyslov-Ribli, London 1983 seventh game](http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1126749) is another good example.
  
  *Plan for side with the isolated pawn: Favorable opening of the center :*
  
  [Spassky-Avtonomov, Leningrad 1949](http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1488147) is a good example. Pay attention to White's `d5!` push, opening lines and activating his pieces.
  
  *Plan for side with the isolated pawn: Advancing the isolated pawn in order to cramp the opponent :*
  
  [Novoteljnov-Bondarevski, Moscow 1951](http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1265741) is one good example. Pay attention to `12...d4!`.
  
  *Plan for side with the isolated pawn: Development of initiative on the queenside :*
  
  This happens rarely, but I was able to find illustrative game. Notice how Black exploits queenside weaknesses with `16...Qb5` to increase his initiative in the game `Bitman-Zlotnik, Moscow 1979`. I can not find online resource for this game.
  
  Now after seeing plans for the side with isolated pawn we must examine plans for the side fighting the isolated pawn:
  
  *Plan for side fighting the isolated pawn: Simplification of the game with goal to transpose into favorable endgame :*
  
  [Karpov-Spassky, Montreal 1979](http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1068095) is a very good example.
  
  *Plan for side fighting the isolated pawn: Transposing into the position with hanging pawns :*
  
  [Zukertort-Steinitz, Vienna 1886](http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1132645) is a classical example. Notice how Steinitz exchanged pieces, thus reducing White's attacking potential. **As soon as White is not able to attack** he starts to stand worse due to the weakness of the isolated pawn.
  
  [Furman-Kholmov, Kiev 1954](http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1353264) and [Taimanov-Karpov, Moscow 1973](http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1067784) are very good examples of a positional approach. However, you might be forced to destroy hanging pawns dynamically like in [Petrosian-Smyslov, Moscow 1961](http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1106531). Pay attention to `18...Rxc3!` strike.
  
  ```
  But how does all this apply for your line in Panov attack?
  
  ```
  
  ***Typical plans in the position with isolated pawn are not opening dependent. Opening moves can only enable some plans and make others impossible to execute, but no matter what opening you play the typical plans remain the same.***
  
  This is very important to know. In order to choose proper plan you must know the current opening theory.
  
  I believe that little has changed and that you will have to implement the plan of transforming White isolated pawn into hanging pawns, and then attack them.
  
  You should also **cement a piece on `d5`** and **avoid transformation of the current pawn structure**, unless it favors you ( hanging pawns as I have said, are the only good pawn structure for you, others favor White ). As said, 4 minor pieces on the board are good for White, 3 is unclear and everything else favors Black.
  
  Just exchange smart and you will be on a good way to at least draw.
  
  The paramount importance is the opening play. If you get good position from opening, then **it will be easier for you to play the position** as your plans are clear and straightforward. White on the other hand has to generate an attack which is not that easy, and usually will have to be satisfied with a small space advantage.
  
  ## ILLUSTRATIVE GAMES FROM OP's OPENING:
  
  We shall analyze games #2 and #6 [from Kamsky-Karpov, Elista 1996](http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chess.pl?tid=55432) which will hopefully help you grasp the above mentioned concepts:
  
  First quickly play through the games 2 and 6. You will notice that everything was the same until move 12 where Black first played `Bd7` and `Rc8`, **sticking to passive defense,** while in the game 6 he played more active `Qb6` which allowed him to exchange few pieces.
  
  Notice how in the second game Black was cramped due to the presence of 4 minor pieces on the board and because he had no counterplay. Also pay attention to `45.f4!` that launched a kingside attack. **This is the topic we covered above under *kingside attack*.** The attack was possible due to the `18.d5!` **which opens center favorably**, again **we mentioned that too under *favorable opening of the center*.**
  
  Now look how Black stood much better when he played actively, and when he **exchanged a minor piece.** Notice how **he had more space to maneuver**, and notice how he **immediately took `d5` square, and other ones around the `d4` pawn, under his control.** This is important! "Cementing" a piece on `d5` hinders opponent's attacking potential. Pay really good attention to this. After `23.Bxf5` we can see that **White has lost his space advantage**, and now Black got fully equal game since only 2 minor pieces were left. Black equalized by **keeping the squares around isolated pawn "in check".** Also, **he had enough space** to properly regroup his pieces for defense and counter attack.
  
  Another highly instructive game is [J.Polgar-V.Smyslov, Aruba 1992](http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1111037). Just look how Black exchanged the queens with `9...Qb6!` and `10...Ba5!`and then look how White's isolated pawn became **instantly** weak when he was not able to attack anymore. Black had pressure in that game in the end but since there were 4 minor pieces White had enough defenders for his weak pawn.
  
  ## A CONCRETE PLAN SUGGESTION FOR THE OP's POSITION:
  
  I used to play Caro-Kann, so in the position you mention my plan would be:
  
  1. To finish my development.
  2. **Exchange at least one minor piece.**
  3. Solve the problem of developing my light-squared bishop, usually by playing `b6+Bb7` or by playing `Rd8+Bd7+Be8`. These are typical maneuvers for Black.
  
  At that point opening ends and starts the middlegame. There you can try to implement one of the 2 above mentioned plans. It all depends from White's moves. Still, you will probably exchange knights on `c3` and maybe dark-squared bishops, which will result in the pawn structure with the hanging pawns.
  
  About the move order in your post:
  
  White takes on `d5` too early, so all kind of options are possible for you. Still, you have 3 good moves as Black after he plays: `Nc6`, `Bb4`, `Be7`. Personally, I prefer solidity above all, so I would choose `Be7` but the best move in my opinion is `Bb4`.
  
  Again I must stress that it is of paramount importance to leave the opening with equal position. The same goes for White too.
  
  ## SUMMARY:
  
  For detailed explanation of plans in the Isolated pawn position consult the following books:
  
  *I.Sokolov-Winning chess middlegames*, *Baburin-Winning Pawn Structures* and especially *B.A.Zlotnik-Typical middlegame positions*. The last book is pure gold and is out of print, but still try to find it.
  
  As for Caro-Kann, Panov attack you should get Karpov's book *A.Karpov & M.Podgaets-Caro-Kann defense Panov Attack, Batsford 2006*. It is entirely devoted to Panov attack, and I think it is outstanding.
  
  Sorry for scarce information, but there is just too much to be said for this topic that it wouldn't fit here. So if you have follow up questions just leave a comment.
  
  Best regards.
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_3**: To the book list, add the classic _Winning Pawn Structures_ by Baburin, which is entirely about IQP positions (and hanging pawn positions that often lead to IQP positions). It's the best, but also hard to get.  
  > **username_2**: @username_3: Added. Best regards.  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_1 on 2014-12-27. Score: 1
  
  Alexander Baburin has actually written a whole book on the IQP called "Winning Pawn Structures". Although his personal bias is evident from the title his book is relatively even handed with a large section dedicated to "Disadvantages of the isolated d-pawn" which basically gives many examples and principles of how to deal with the isolani.
  
  Whether you want to make a study of the IQP or not this is a useful book which gives many examples of attacking play in IQP positions which can carry over into the rest of your play.
  
  
  ---
  
  