22 May 07
Originally posted by KunsooWhen chess was first invented (believed to be late sixth century A.D.)the pawn could move one square straight forward if that square was unoccupied, or could capture one square diagonally forward (these options are of course still available).
[b]When was this rule introduced into the game? More importantly: why?
To speed the game up in the opening, the double square first move for pawns was introduced, (I think in the 12th or 13th century), but it was felt that this should not allow a pawn using the double move to
avoid a capture by an opposing pawn which was on it's own fifth rank. So the 'En Passant' capture was introduced some time later, (14th century?) to allow a capture as if the pawn had only moved one square, and since under the original laws it could have moved to it's fourth rank after a second move, this is why the capture is allowed only for one move. I hope this helps. I found it easy to remember this rather unusual law once I knew the reason for it.
22 May 07
1 edit
I've made use of this rule quite a few times, it can be very effective. It's definately worth remembering.
Saying that, this is the only example I can find trawling through my recent games.
Game 3444667
23..c5 attacked my queen
24 dxc6 lead to the queen swap I was hoping for.
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22 May 07
Originally posted by geepamoogleYeah, but bishops, rooks, and queens can skip attacked squares. That seems even more unfair.
En passant was developed as a rule whenever they added the ability for a pawn to move 2 forward from their starting point.
They did so in order to answer those who thought it unfair that a pawn could simply skip an attacked square.
Or so I have heard.
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22 May 07
Originally posted by Essex 3So then the issue was some form of continuity?
When chess was first invented (believed to be late sixth century A.D.)the pawn could move one square straight forward if that square was unoccupied, or could capture one square diagonally forward (these options are of course still available).
To speed the game up in the opening, the double square first move for pawns was introduced, (I think in the 12th or ...[text shortened]... is helps. I found it easy to remember this rather unusual law once I knew the reason for it.
22 May 07
Originally posted by Kunsoonot really... consider the bishop an airplane, the rook artillery and the queen espionage... footsoldiers can't do much to stop them unless they are in the right place at the right time.
Yeah, but bishops, rooks, and queens can skip attacked squares. That seems even more unfair.
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22 May 07
Originally posted by ChessJesterWell, shouldn't the two square pawn move be considered aerial troop transportation?
not really... consider the bishop an airplane, the rook artillery and the queen espionage... footsoldiers can't do much to stop them unless they are in the right place at the right time.