Beginner tactic · 5 of 11
Promotion
A pawn that reaches the last rank becomes a queen, a rook, a bishop or a knight.
- Learn how it worksThree examples with Capra. You play each one yourself.Three examples with CapraStart the lesson
- Practise on real puzzlesPractise on puzzles80 promotion puzzles, from easy to very hard.0 of 80 solvedGo to the puzzlesGo to the puzzles
Three promotions
Most pawns that reach the last rank become queens. Getting there is the hard part.
Straight through
The pawn has reached the last rank and become a queen.
Clear the square
The rook has taken the knight that guarded e8. Next the pawn promotes.
A knight, not a queen
The pawn has become a knight, which checks the king and attacks the queen.
Promotions in numbers
Counted from the 6,167 promotions in our puzzle library, all taken from real games- 1 in 45
of our puzzles has a promotion in it.
- 59%
of them start with a pawn move.
- 94%
of them come in the endgame.
Which piece makes the first move
- Pawn59%
- Rook19%
- Queen9%
- King8%
- Knight3%
What it wins
- Checkmate21%
- Rook9%
- Queen7%
- Bishop1%
- Knight1%
Good to know
Promotions: common questions
What is promotion in chess?
When a pawn reaches the far end of the board, it has to be swapped for a queen, a rook, a bishop or a knight of the same colour. It happens as part of the same move, and the pawn cannot stay a pawn.
Can I have two queens?
Yes. The new piece does not have to be one that was captured earlier. You can have two queens, or more, if your pawns get that far.
What is underpromotion?
Choosing a rook, a bishop or a knight instead of a queen. It is rare. It is right when a knight gives a check or a fork that a queen could not, or when a new queen would leave your opponent in stalemate.
How do I help a pawn promote?
Look at the squares in front of the pawn and at what guards them. Capture the guard, drive it away or block its line, and support the pawn with your king or with a rook behind it.