Pawns

Game:

Game Rules

White starts on rank 2 and moves toward rank 8. Black starts on rank 7 and moves toward rank 1.

Pawns move and capture according to normal chess rules, including the initial two-square move and en passant.

The first player to move a pawn to the opposite side of the board wins.

How Pawns Work

Pawns form the skeleton of your position and they generally point in the direction your attack will likely develop. Pawns can build outposts for Knights or be opened to make lanes for Rooks. Pawns approaching promotion get stronger the closer they get and if your pawns are gone your King stands vulnerable.

Moving

Pawns move straight forward, but they capture diagonally. They never go backwards or side-to-side. Two pawns directly facing one another are "blocking" each other and cannot move unless a capture opportunity arises (see below).

Starting Move

A pawn may move one or two squares forward from its original square. But, it is limited to one square of movement once it leaves home.

Capturing

Pawns capture one opposing piece diagonally in front of them.

En Passant

En passant is allowed when an opposing pawn moves two squares forward and lands beside your pawn.

Promotion

When a pawn reaches the opposite side of the board (8th rank for White, 1st rank for Black) it is instantly promoted into almost any piece the player wants. The only limits are that it cannot become a King or remain a pawn.