How the pawn moves
A pawn moves one square straight forward. On its first move it may move two squares. It captures one square diagonally forward, and it never moves backward.
- It can't move forward if a piece stands in front of it.
- It captures only diagonally, never straight ahead.
- At the far row it becomes another piece (promotion).
Teach it
- DoPut a white pawn on e2 and nothing else.
- Say“A pawn only goes forward. On its first move it may take one step or two.”
- Ask“Where can this pawn go?”
- Child“e3 or e4.”
- DoPut black pawns on d5, e5 and f5, and move the white pawn to e4.
- Say“A pawn can't take straight ahead. It takes one step on the diagonal, like a little sword.”
- Ask“Which pawns can it take?”
- Child“The ones on d5 and f5.”
Your turn!
Take all three black pawns with your pawn. Remember: pawns capture diagonally.
Three quick questions
A pawn is on its start square. How far can it move forward?
How does a pawn capture?
Can a pawn move backward?
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Draw a dot on each square this pawn can move to.
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Draw a dot on each square this pawn can move to.
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Circle the pawns the white pawn can capture.
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Can the white pawn move? Write yes or no.
Answers: Pawn moves
- d3 and d4.
- d5 only (it has moved before).
- Both: c5 and e5.
- No. It is blocked, and there is nothing to capture.
Questions parents ask
Can a pawn move two squares at any time?
No. Only on its first move, from its start square. After that it moves one square at a time.
Can a pawn capture straight forward?
No. A pawn moves straight but captures diagonally. If a piece stands in front of it, the pawn is blocked.
What happens when a pawn reaches the end of the board?
It must become a queen, rook, bishop or knight. This is called promotion.
Rules checked against FIDE Laws of Chess, taking effect from 1 January 2023 (Article 3.7) on . Found something to fix? Tell us on the contact page.