Basic chess strategy : Pawn Nail

A 'pawn nail' is a a pawn that has been driven into ones opponents position either on the sixth rank in the case of white or the third rank in the case of black. Its strength lies in the fact that it can be used to hamper the opponents development of the chess men, be utilised as a basis of attack on the King or some other object in the opponents position. Its weakness lies in the fact that it needs protection from light and heavy pieces and can sometimes be attacked from the side.

In the illustrative game white sacrifices a pawn for rapid development and then at the opportune time creates a pawn nail which not only hampers the natural development of blacks pieces but provides a basis for making threats which black finds difficult to meet.