Beginner 1

How the Pawn Moves and Captures

Understand how pawns move forward, capture diagonally, and use their first double step.

Introduction to Pawns

Pawns may be the smallest pieces, but they appear in large numbers and shape the entire game. In this lesson, you will see how pawns move forward, how they capture diagonally, and why pawn structure is so important.

A pawn is like a tiny soldier — when many pawns stand side by side, they make a strong wall that keeps your king safe and helps you attack.

Activity: Placing and Moving Pawns

Now you will see how all the pawns line up at the start of the game, and then you can try moving them yourself using the pawn rules you just learned.

First, all 8 white pawns appear on the second rank.
Then, all 8 black pawns appear on the seventh rank.
After that, drag the pawns to make legal pawn moves on the board.

First, watch the demo of how pawns move and capture. Then use the "Now you try" button to practice the same ideas yourself.

Play a Pawn Game vs Computer

Now it is time to use your pawn skills in a real game. You will play as White with a king and all 8 pawns. Stockfish will play as Black with a king and all 8 pawns.

You control the white king and pawns from the bottom of the board.
Stockfish controls the black king and pawns from the top.
Try to push your pawns, capture Blacks pawns, and protect your own king.

Play a few games until you are comfortable moving pawns forward, capturing diagonally, and keeping your king safe.