Basics · Lesson 7 of 12 · 2 min read
How Do Pawns Move and Capture in Chess?
By James Dulay · Updated 14 November 2026
Pawns move straight forward one square at a time and never move backward. On its first move a pawn may advance two squares. Pawns capture differently from how they move: one square diagonally forward. Each pawn is worth 1 point.
Try it in 3DMoving forward
A pawn on its starting square can move one or two squares forward. After that it moves one square at a time. Any piece directly in front of a pawn, of either colour, blocks it completely.
Capturing diagonally
A pawn captures one square diagonally forward, to the left or right. It can never capture straight ahead, which is why two pawns facing each other on the same file are both stuck.
The pawn is the only piece that captures differently from the way it moves.
Two special pawn rules
If an enemy pawn advances two squares and lands right beside your pawn, you may capture it as if it had moved only one square. This is called en passant and must be done immediately.
When a pawn reaches the far side of the board it is promoted, usually to a queen. Because pawns cannot move back, think before pushing one: every pawn move permanently changes the position.
Interactive lesson
Practise the pawn on a 3D board
Pawnorama walks you through this lesson step by step. You make every move yourself, with hints when you need them. Free, no account needed.
Start the lessonCommon questions
Can pawns move backward?
No. Pawns only ever move forward.
Can a pawn move two squares at any time?
No, only on its first move, from its starting square.
What happens when a pawn reaches the end of the board?
It must be promoted to a queen, rook, bishop or knight of the same colour.