Hanging pawns

Two central pawns standing on the same rank, unsupported by any pawns of the same color.

By Nimzowitsch's definition, hanging pawns inherit one characteristic trait of the isolated pawn — a combination of static weakness and dynamic strength. While they require constant defense, hanging pawns can also serve as a means of developing an attack.

The fight against hanging pawns usually comes down to forcing one of them to advance, halting their further movement, and then attacking the pawn left behind.