Doubled pawns occur in chess when two pawns of the same color occupy the same file, one directly in front of the other. This situation often arises after a pawn capture, leading to a structural weakness. Doubled pawns can hinder a player's ability to control the center and may limit mobility. While doubled pawns can be a disadvantage, they can also provide strategic opportunities. For instance, they may control important squares or support other pieces. Players must evaluate the position carefully to determine if the benefits outweigh the drawbacks in their specific game situation.