Fixing a weakness

Fixing a weakness means making a target remain where it can be attacked. The weakness is often a pawn that cannot be protected by another pawn, a difficult square to defend, or a piece restricted by its structure. If the target can advance, exchange itself, or escape, gathering forces against it may achieve nothing.

The most common method is a pawn advance that locks an enemy pawn on an unfavorable square. Your pieces can then increase the pressure without chasing a moving target. Fixing can also deny an escape route, control an entry square, a point from which a piece could penetrate, or stop a pawn break, meaning an advance that would open lines or repair the structure.

The pawn that can no longer escape

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Start

b5

Rb7

Ra6

The pawn on b6 can still advance to b5 and stop being a stationary target.

The target can still move

The black pawn on b6 can advance to b5. The knight on d5 attacks it, but there is not yet a fixed target against which to build pressure.

1. The pawn on b6 can still advance to b5 and stop being a stationary target.
2. The knight on d5 attacks b6, but the pressure still falls on a mobile target.

Fixing is not the same as attacking immediately. First you limit the target's mobility; then you bring another piece, exchange a defender, or prepare infiltration. If the opponent gains activity elsewhere, neutralization may have to come before the attack continues.

The technique requires care. By fixing a pawn, you might also grant an enemy piece a stable square or close a line you needed. The right question is whether the target will become more vulnerable and whether you can attack it without weakening your own position.