Chess pawn rules

The humble pawn is seen by many as the weakest of all the chess pieces.

Chess rules pawn reaches end of board

Can pawns move diagonally

Can pawns move backwards

Rook moves in chess

Chess pawn en passant

It has limited movement options and tends to be the piece you’re willing to sacrifice in the name of winning the game. How do pawns move in chess? It’s relatively simple - especially when compared with other chess pieces - though there are a few special moves here and there to be aware of.

Don’t worry - if you’re a complete chess newbie, this guide is for you.

We’ll explain all the different pawn movements and how to make the most out of your pawns to win more games of chess.

Understanding Basic Pawn Movement

Different chess pieces represent different things or people from medieval times.

Special pawn moves in chess

Did you know that pawns historically represent soldiers or infantry? Specifically, they’re designed to symbolize armed peasants or pikemen who’d sit at the front of an army and be used as sacrificial lambs to protect the more valuable army members.

That’s why there are more pawns than any other piece on the chessboard (eight in total), and they sit in front of all the other pieces.

As a result, the pawn will be the first

in chess can pawns move back

in chess can pawns move forward