How the Pawn Moves

Moving the Pawn

The pawn is the most basic piece, but it has unique movement and capturing rules.

Forward Movement

Pawns move forward one square at a time.

Initial Two-Square Move

On its first move, a pawn has the option to move forward two squares instead of one. This only applies to a pawn's initial move from its starting position.

Capturing

Pawns capture opponent pieces by moving one square diagonally forward. They cannot capture by moving straight forward.

Special Moves

En Passant

This is a special pawn capture that available when an opponent's pawn moves two squares forward from its starting position, landing beside your pawn. Read more about en passant.

Pawn Promotion

When a pawn reaches the farthest rank from its starting position, it must be promoted to another piece. Read more about pawn promotion.