A majority in the center or on a flank?
Which is better — a majority in the center or on a flank
A player often faces this question as early as the opening: which is better, a pawn majority in the center or on a flank? These are positions with the pawn structure sketched in the next diagram:
Looking at master games, you can conclude that if White manages to play e3-e4, White gets the better chances in most cases. But if Black can occupy the d5 square and prevent e3-e4, then by pushing the queenside pawns Black seizes the initiative.