Two pawns without neighbors
Hanging pawns stand next to each other, usually on the c- and d-files, and have no pawns of their own on the files beside them. They are like the isolated queen's pawn, but there are two of them, and they can protect each other in one way: when one advances, the other protects it. The price is that the pawn left behind has no pawn to protect it any more, and the squares in front of the pawns become the opponent's.
That was the position in game six of the 1972 World Championship. Boris Spassky had hanging pawns on c5 and d5, and the position was balanced. Bobby Fischer showed how to play against them.
The plan against hanging pawns
- Pressure with the pieces. The rooks on the half-open files and the queen against the pawn that is easiest to attack.
- Trade off the defenders. Every piece that protects the pawns makes them stronger. Fischer traded off the bishop that protected d5.
- Attack them with a pawn. Then one of them has to decide: capture or go past.
- Take the squares. Once the pawns are stuck, put your pieces on the squares around them, where no pawn can chase them away.
- 18.
- 19.
- 20.
- 21.
- 22.
- 23.…
The move 20.e4 was the turning point. Black had two choices, and they were not equally good.
After 20…d4 the pawns were stuck on dark squares, and White's bishop had the light squares to itself. What happened next is on the page about good and bad bishops, and the whole game is among the famous games.
The plan with hanging pawns
- Keep them side by side as long as you can, and protect them with the pieces.
- Advance when it gains something: when a pawn can open a line, take an important square or push into the opponent's position.
- Use the space. The pawns take squares in the center, and behind them the pieces have room.
Tigran Petrosian showed the other side at the 1960 Chess Olympiad in Leipzig. He got hanging pawns on c4 and d4.
The pawns didn't stay hanging for long. The d-pawn recaptured on e5, and with a knight sacrifice Petrosian got two pawns side by side again, on d5 and e5. Then they advanced.
- 18.
- 19.
- 20.
- 21.
Common mistakes
- Advancing too early. A pawn move that gains nothing leaves squares to the opponent and a pawn without protection.
- Only defending them. Pawns that stand still while every piece protects them tie up the whole position.
- Giving them time. If you play against hanging pawns, create pressure before the pieces behind them are ready.
Remember
- Hanging pawns are strong when they can move, and weak when they are stuck.
- Against them: pressure with the pieces, trade off the defenders and attack them with a pawn.
- With them: keep them together and advance when it opens something.
Frequently asked questions
What are hanging pawns?
Two pawns next to each other on the c- and d-files, usually on the fourth or fifth rank, with no pawns of their own on the b- and e-files. No other pawn can protect them.
How do hanging pawns arise?
When pawns are traded in the center: the b-pawn recaptures on the c-file and the e-pawn on the d-file. That's how they arose in both games on this page, in a different order.
Are hanging pawns strong or weak?
It depends on whether they can move. If one of them can advance when it suits you, they are strong and can break up the opponent's position. If they are stuck, they become targets the pieces have to defend.
Updated November 14, 2026