Pawns have four primary uses. 1. Pawns can control key squares, such as the center. If your pawns control the center the opponent won't be able to put pieces on good squares. 2. Pawns are also helpful protecting your own pieces so they cannot be captured. 3. Pawns are useful as battering rams to open a path to the opposing king. 4. Pawns are good for promoting into more powerful pieces.
