Step Six: Memorize The Special Moves Of The Pawn - CBS News

You may play quite a few games before you need or care to use the following. But it's nice to have them in your arsenal.

• The first time each pawn is moved it has the option of moving two spaces forward instead of the usual one space. After a pawn moves (either one or two spaces), this option is lost for that piece.
• Pawns capture only by moving diagonally. This is the only way they can capture, and the only way they can move diagonally.
• When a pawn has advanced to the fifth row on the board and an opposing pawn moves out two spaces in an adjacent column, the first pawn can then declare an "en passant" capture and move diagonally behind the opposing pawn. The captured pawn is then removed as if captured normally.

If a pawn is moved all the way to the far side of the board (closest to its opponent), it must be replaced by another piece of the offensive player's choice. This is called "promotion." Pawns may be promoted to knight, rook, bishop, or queen, regardless of what has been previously captured. Promotion can also be used to exceed the normal roster of pieces (i.e. several queens are possible).

Back To Learn2 Play Chess

Back To Step One: Set Up The Board And Prepare To Play

Back To Step Two: Understand The Basics

Back To Step Three: Study The Pieces And Their Movements

Back To Step Four: Consider Your First Moves

Back To Step Five: Learn About 'Castlin' The King

On To Step Seven: Know The Difference Between Check And Checkmate

Skip To Step Eight: Learn The Ways To End The Game

Back To The Gaming Guide

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