in the explanation on this site, the example provided has the captured making a two square (the pawn's inital move) move prior to being captured. I want to clarify - it is not only when a pawn makes a two square move to avoid capture that en passant may be used? i.e. a one square move still qualifies?
Originally posted by impatientNo, en passent only applies to pawns that move two spaces.
in the explanation on this site, the example provided has the captured making a two square (the pawn's inital move) move prior to being captured. I want to clarify - it is not only when a pawn makes a two square move to avoid capture that en passant may be used? i.e. a one square move still qualifies?
Originally posted by smomofoYes,this is the intention. When chess was invented the Pawns could only move one square on any move. When the double square option was introduced for any Pawn's first move, it was done simply to speed up the early part of the game, and it was decided that the chance for the opponent to make a capture as if the Pawn had only moved one square should be available. This is also why the e.p. capture must be made immediately, as obviously the endangered Pawn could have moved to it's fourth rank if not captured at once.
It seems to me that the en passant rule exists so that one can not use the two-space first move as a way to slip a pawn past an opponent's without the opponent at least having the option of capture.
Originally posted by smomofoEXACTLY !! Known since the 1500's and practiced everywhere except Italy, it became a universal chess rule in 1880.
It seems to me that the en passant rule exists so that one can not use the two-space first move as a way to slip a pawn past an opponent's without the opponent at least having the option of capture.