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hole

chess
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Quick Summary

In chess, a "hole" refers to a vulnerable square that has lost its pawn protection and can be advantageously occupied by an opponent's piece. This concept is part of positional analysis, which Wilhelm Steinitz, an early world champion, developed. Steinitz's theories emphasized accumulating small advantages, such as controlling key squares or having better pawn structures, to gain an edge in the game. These advantages can become significant, especially in the endgame, and can lead to winning opportunities.1

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. chess - Pawns
  2. chess - Steinitz and the theory of equilibrium

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