Hanging pawns

Two central pawns standing on the same rank and not supported by pawns of the same color.

According to Nimzowitsch's definition, hanging pawns have inherited one characteristic trait of the isolated pawn — a combination of static weakness and dynamic strength. Hanging pawns, requiring constant defense, can also be used as a means of developing an attack.

The struggle against hanging pawns most often comes down to forcing the advance of one of them, restraining their further movement, and attacking the pawn that has fallen behind.