Chapter 04 · Beginner · 4 min
En passant
En passant is the rule that makes everyone pause the first time. It only happens right after an enemy pawn jumps two squares.
Explanation
The passing take is rare, but it has a logic.
It happens when an opposing pawn advances two squares from its starting position and ends up right next to your pawn. If your pawn could have captured it if it had only advanced one square, you can take it as if it had passed through that square.
The important detail: it must be done immediately. If you play anything else, the right disappears. The take in passing loves the drama: now or never.
To remember
The en passant capture happens just after an opposing pawn advances two squares next to your pawn.
Classic error
Try to do it later. By the way, it's now or never.
Player Tip
Remembering the image helps: the opposing pawn passes in front of the square that your pawn controlled, so you can take it as if it had only advanced one square.