How pawns move in chess
A pawn moves straight forward one square. The first time it moves, it may go forward two squares instead. Pawns never move backwards or sideways.
The rules in short
- A pawn moves only forwards, towards the other side of the board.
- From its starting square it can move one or two squares.
- After its first move it can only go one square at a time.
- A pawn cannot move if another piece is directly in front of it.
Small pieces with a big future
A pawn that reaches the far end of the board is promoted: it turns into a queen, a rook, a bishop or a knight, and most players choose a queen. This is why even a lone pawn is dangerous late in the game, and why a pawn is worth protecting.
A first move worth knowing
Opening with the king pawn or the queen pawn two squares, e4 or d4, opens lines for your bishops and queen and takes space in the centre. It is where most games begin.
Try it on a real board
This lesson is free and needs no account. You move the piece yourself on an interactive board, and it tells you straight away if the move is right.
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