The Pawn Game

Pelts and Alburt, in Comprehensive Chess Course, describe The Pawn Game. This game is very good for learning how pawns move. Remember the pawns move one square forward (never backward) except on their first move when they have a choice of moving either one or two squares. They capture by moving one square diagonally forward.

Choosing for colours

One of the players hides a Black pawn in one hand and a White pawn in the other. She then holds out both fists in front of her and the opponent selects one of them. The opponent will play Black if the fist contains the Black pawn, and he will play White if it contains the White pawn. After the first game the players switch colours every game.

The starting position

The pawns are placed on the board as in normal chess but no other pieces are used.

Starting Position

You win the game:

a) if your opponent gives up; or

b) if you are the first to capture all your opponent's pawns; or

c) if you are the first to reach the last rank (i.e. your opponent's first rank) with one of your pawns; or

d) if it is your opponent's turn to move but all her pawns are blocked and do not have any moves, while you yourself can make at least one move.

The game is a draw:

a) if the two players agree to call it a draw; or

b) if both sides pawns are blocked up so that neither side can make any moves.

Other rules:

a) If you touch one of your own men when it is your turn to move, you must move it.

b) If you touch one of your opponent's men, you must capture it if you can.

c) Once you make a move, you cannot change it so think carefully.

Index