In chess, "pawn structure" refers to the arrangement of pawns on the board. It plays a crucial role in determining the strengths and weaknesses of a player's position. A solid pawn structure can provide strong control over key squares, while a weak structure may create vulnerabilities that opponents can exploit. Different pawn formations, such as isolated pawns, doubled pawns, or pawn chains, influence the overall strategy of the game. Understanding pawn structure helps players make informed decisions about piece placement and potential pawn breaks, ultimately impacting the outcome of the match.