A pawn chain is a sequence of connected pawns in the game of chess, where each pawn supports the one in front of it. This formation helps to strengthen a player's position on the board, making it harder for the opponent to attack. The pawns work together, creating a barrier that can control key squares and limit the movement of enemy pieces. In a pawn chain, the pawn at the back is often referred to as the "base," while the one at the front is the "tip." Maintaining a strong pawn chain can lead to strategic advantages, such as promoting a pawn to a queen or creating weaknesses in the opponent's formation.