Pawns may look small and simple, but they shape the entire game. From controlling space to becoming queens , these humble pieces often decide who wins and who loses. As the famous 18th century French chess player François-André Danican Philidor once said: “Pawns are the soul of chess.”

In this post:

Chess 101: the pawn

How the pawn moves

Pawn promotion

Gambits

Pawn structures

Do’s and don’ts with the pawn

Strategy tips for the pawn

Pawns are both the most numerous pieces in chess and the simplest in appearance. There are eight per side, lined up on the second and seventh rows (or ranks, as they are traditionally called) in front of the other pieces . They are small, with a rounded top that almost looks like a helmet.

Historically, pawns have represented foot soldiers—the frontline of the army. And like real soldiers, they usually take the first steps into battle, moving first in most chess games.

Pawns are usually valued at 1 point , making them the least valuable piece.…