I don't see why the distinction is good. If the pawn is backward at b3, for example, but is currently on b2, it is JUST as backward sitting there. It can't be defended except by pieces, which is why it is weak in the first place (any backward pawn)...xmas79 wrote:+1:Ferdy wrote:This is how I define my backward pawn (bwp).
1. The front sq is empty and
2. The front sq is attacked by opp pawn and
3. I don't have pawn defender on that front sq.
By that pos 1 b7 is not bwp, pos 2 e7 and e4 are bwp, pos 3 g6, h3 and h2 are not bwp.
That was one on my attempts. The key idea is simple: if a pawn cannot safely advance then assign a penalty. This will penalize "immediate" backwardness. How to penalize "future" backwardness (eg the b2 pawn once it gets in b3)?
There are other such things, for example isolated. No pawns on adjacent files for many. But Kmoch defined "artificially isolated" where a pawn is so far advanced no friendly pawns can safely advance to protect it. Just as weak as a real isolated pawn. AND just as important to detect and score correctly.