Rules
What is a pawn in chess?
- Rules
- Legality
- Result
Pawn is a rules concept: a piece that can move one square directly forward, or on its first move, can move two squares directly forward. It can also move one square diagonally forward when capturing. It may capture en passant. Upon reaching its eighth rank, it is promoted to a same-colored queen, rook, bishop, or knight. In a game, verify the exact rule before making assumptions, because one detail can change the result.
What to look for on the board
- Whether the move is legal.
- Whether the rule changes the result.
- Whether a special case applies.
Related terms
Free game review
See where pawn decides your games
Chessiro reviews your games with an AI coach that names the concept behind every mistake, then drills you on the exact positions where it happened until you stop repeating them.