Isolated pawns are pawns in chess that have no other pawns of the same color on adjacent files. This means they cannot be supported by other pawns, making them more vulnerable to attack. Isolated pawns can create weaknesses in a player's position, as they may require additional pieces to defend them. However, isolated pawns can also offer strategic advantages. They can control important squares and open lines for rooks and queens. Players may choose to accept the risks of isolated pawns if they believe the potential for active piece play outweighs the disadvantages.