Promotion
A pawn that becomes a queen
Try this lesson in Chess40Step 1
A pawn that reaches the last rank is promoted: it becomes a queen, a rook, a bishop or a knight. Almost always, a queen.
Step 2
The pawn steps onto b8 and becomes a queen, with check.
The moves: 1. b8=Q+
Step 3
White to play: promote the pawn.
White to move.
Show the answer
Solution: 1. b8=Q
Step 4
Sometimes a knight is the best choice. White to play and mate in one.
White to move.
Show the answer
Solution: 1. f8=N#
Step 5
Why is a pawn promoted to a queen almost every time?
- The queen is the strongest piece
- It is the only choice allowed
- The queen cannot be captured
Show the answer
Answer: The queen is the strongest piece