(1) The Cross Lever

How do we classify this formation?

Is it a combination of rams? ( A ram is two opposing pawns, deadlocked on a file)

or duos? (Two pawns side by side of the same party on a column)

or Levers?

Its not of rams, since it lacks the static character of a ram, and not of duos, since the symmetry is opposed to the concept of a duo. The outstanding feature of this formation are the possibilities of capture, and we therefore call it the Cross Lever.

The cross lever is likely to create a strong but brief tension. If The pawns concerned have an uneven frontspan, (the space directly in front of a pawn) the cross lever also has the ability to create an advanced passer.