How the Pawn Moves in Chess: Every Rule Explained Simply

A pawn moves straight forward one square at a time. On its very first move it may go forward two squares instead. It captures differently: one square diagonally forward. A pawn can never move backward. When a pawn reaches the far end of the board, it turns into a stronger piece, usually a queen.

Each player starts with eight pawns, standing in a row in front of the other pieces. White's pawns start on the second row (called the 2nd rank) and Black's start on the 7th rank. Pawns are the smallest pieces, but they have more special rules than any other piece. Let us go through them one by one.

The basic move: one step forward

A pawn moves straight ahead, one square at a time, towards the opponent's side. White pawns move up the board and Black pawns move down. A pawn can never move sideways or backward. Think of a pawn as a brave soldier who only marches forward.

The first move: one or two squares

When a pawn has not moved yet, it gets a choice. It can move one square forward, or two squares forward. After its first move, it can only go one square at a time. Each pawn gets this choice once, on its own first move.

Pawns can be blocked

A pawn cannot jump, and it cannot capture straight ahead. If any piece, yours or your opponent's, is standing on the square directly in front of it, the pawn is stuck. When two pawns face each other nose to nose, both are blocked.

How the pawn captures

To capture means to take an opponent's piece off the board. This is where the pawn is unusual. It moves straight, but it captures diagonally, one square forward to the left or right. It can only move diagonally when it is capturing.

Try moving the pawns

Two special pawn rules

En passant

En passant is French for "in passing". It is a special capture that surprises many beginners. If your pawn is on the 5th rank (for White) and an enemy pawn on the next file moves two squares forward to land right beside it, you may capture it as if it had moved only one square. You must do it on your very next move, or the chance is gone.

This rule is easier to understand with a few examples. Read en passant explained for the full story.

Promotion

When a pawn reaches the last rank on the other side of the board (the 8th rank for White, the 1st rank for Black), it must be changed into a queen, rook, bishop or knight of the same colour. This is called promotion. Most players choose a queen, the strongest piece. So even a tiny pawn can become a superstar. See pawn promotion to learn more.

Pawn forks: a puzzle

Because a pawn attacks two diagonal squares at once, it can attack two enemy pieces together. This is called a fork. A pawn is worth only about 1 point, while a knight or rook is worth much more, so a pawn fork usually wins material.

Common beginner mistakes

• Capturing straight ahead. A pawn can only capture diagonally.
• Moving two squares later in the game. The two-square move is only for a pawn's first move.
• Moving a pawn backward. Pawns never go back, so think before you push one. Once it moves, the squares behind it are no longer protected by it.
• Forgetting about promotion. Watch out for enemy pawns getting close to your side, and push your own pawns when the way is clear.

A small practice idea: play a "pawn game" with a friend or parent. Each side has only its eight pawns. The first player to get a pawn to the last rank wins. It teaches pawn moves, captures and planning in a fun way. When you are comfortable, learn how the knight moves.