An overview of strained laminar flames and their significance in important combustion phenomena is presented. The mathematical and physical descriptions of flame stretch are discussed along with pertinent experimental and numerical aspects. Flame stretch can result from flow non-uniformities or flame curvature. Its influence is enhanced when rates of mass and heat diffusion are unequal. The relevance of such fundamental phenomena to turbulent combustion are subsequently discussed. The use of strained laminar flames towards the determination of fundamental flame properties will be demonstrated through the examples of flame ignition and flame propagation. Non-premixed ignition of hydrocarbons at high strain rates will be presented in view of its importance to hydrocarbon-fueled SCRAMJETS. The role of additives and partial premixing in enhancing ignition will be assessed. Finally, a novel technique appropriate for the direct experimental determination of the true laminar (unstrained) flame speeds is presented, by allowing a flame to undergo a transition between a positive and a negative strain-rate state.