An outpost is a square, usually on the fourth, fifth or sixth rank, that no enemy pawn can ever attack, normally defended by one of your own pawns.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
A knight on an outpost cannot be chased away by a pawn. The opponent can remove it only by exchanging a piece for it, and if your pawn recaptures, another piece can take its place.
How to do it
- 1Find a square in the opponent's half that one of your pawns defends.
- 2Check that no enemy pawn can ever attack it, now or after a pawn move.
- 3Bring a knight there, even if the route takes several moves.
For your level
A knight loves a square that pawns cannot attack. Your own pawn should protect it. Find that square before you move the knight.
Check you have it
Question 1 of 1
Which black pawn has no friendly pawn on either neighbouring file?
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Common mistakes
- Calling a square an outpost when an enemy pawn can still advance to attack it.
- Trading off the knight that could have reached the outpost before it gets there.
Questions
- Which piece belongs on an outpost?
- Usually a knight. A knight has to be close to the action to work, and on an outpost it can stand close without being chased. A bishop or rook can use one too, but they work from a distance.