Should White Play c5 Here?
In this position, it is White to move
Would you play c5 here?
Before reading further, I recommend you pause for a few minutes and think.
Try to understand what the position is really asking for.
What Happened in the Game
In the game, White chose to play:
17. c5
At first glance, this move looks logical.
The idea behind c5 is clear:
- Exchange pawns
- Open the c-file
- Create activity for the rook and Bishop
However, I felt that this decision was not the best choice in this position.
Let’s understand why.
The Hidden Positional Detail
The key point lies in Black’s d6 pawn.
In this position:
- The pawn on d6 is an isolated pawn
- It is not protected by any other pawn
- This makes it a long-term weakness in Black’s position
This pawn should be attacked, not released.
Why c5 Helps Black
By playing 17. c5, White allows Black to:
- Exchange pawns
- Remove the isolated d6 pawn
- Relieve pressure from a weakness
In other words, White is helping Black solve a positional problem.
Exchanging your opponent’s weakness is often a strategic mistake.
A Better Plan for White
Instead of c5, White can slowly increase pressure on the d6 pawn:
- Qd2 – connecting pieces and eyeing the d6 square
- Rook to d1 – placing a rook directly behind the weakness
- b3 followed by Bb2 – improving the bishop and adding more pressure
With this setup, White can:
- Fix the weakness
- Force Black into passive defence
- Improve all pieces step by step
Key Positional Lesson
When your opponent has a long-term weakness,
your job is to attack it — not to exchange it.
Patience is often rewarded in such positions.
Thanks for reading.
Please share your thoughts in the comments—would you have played c5, or preferred a slower buildup against the d6 pawn?
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