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En passant chess > En passant chess video > En Passant: Special Chess Move – one of the exception rules in chess (video)
En passant chess video

En Passant: Special Chess Move – one of the exception rules in chess (video)

Justin Collins - Candidate Master of Chess
Last updated: 2025/06/10 9:17 AM
Justin Collins - Candidate Master of Chess
4 Min Read
En Passant: The meaning of the special move in chess "in passing"
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Table of Contents:
The essence of the Special Chess moveThe originAdditional nuancesFAQ about the En Passant special chess move

En Passant: Special Chess Moves (video) – here International Master David Pruess teaches us one of the exception rules in chess.

It is known as “en passant”. Simple and clear, yet comprehensive commentaries about it will serve as a great explanation. You’ll get the hang of this special move at once.

The essence of the Special Chess move

The essence of the Special Chess move

Today we talk about “en passant”. The phrase came from France, where it means “in passing”. The idea is as follows. One’s piece doesn’t end up on the square of the piece it captured.

How do all captures normally work? Basically, you walk onto the square where the other piece was and then remove it.

Basically, you walk onto the square where the other piece was and then remove it
Step 1
Basically you walk onto the square where the other piece was and then remove it 2
Step 2

But our move is the one exception to that. It’s a special one. Here’s how it is. The rival’s pawn travels two spaces. After that, you attack it with the adjacent pawn as if it was located diagonally.

The origin

let’s get back in history to understand where this move comes from

Now let’s get back in history to understand where this move comes from. Chess used to have a rule that pawns could always move one square only. Nowadays, they can move two spaces, if they’re on the second or the seventh rank. So, earlier in time, pawns would advance slowly towards each other. And then, they’d finally come into contact. One captures the other and the fight begins.

But at some point, people’s attention span seriously decreased. So they decided this is too long to wait to start the battle. And they added the rule that pawns could travel two steps at once.

One shouldn’t be able to walk all the way down the board without one thing

And here’s an important point. One shouldn’t be able to walk all the way down the board without one thing. This thing is letting the opposing pawn attack. The rival should have a chance to capture the moving piece on its trip. What if they only meet when standing next to each other on the same rank? How’s this pawn supposed to capture the opponent’s one? Legally, it cannot since there’s no such thing for a pawn as moving sideways.

People thought it would mess up the way chess was played too much. So, instead of letting the pawn run past, they created an extra rule. It allowed capturing in passing. When a pawn passes you by, you can attack it. Just move as if it had only gone one step.

Additional nuances

This option is only available for one move. You can’t develop other pieces and then suddenly realize you want to attack that pawn with yours. If the rival’s pawn goes past you, there’s just one move window to capture it. And it’s the moment when the pieces stand on the same rank.

All captures of this sort must occur with a pawn moving from the 2nd rank. And travels to the 4th rank

Also, it’s important to remember the following conditions. All captures of this sort must occur with a pawn moving from the 2nd rank. And travels to the 4th rank. If a piece comes from the 3d rank, it doesn’t fit the rule. It’s supposed to travel two spaces at once starting from its initial square. Only then can you capture it with this special move.

FAQ about the En Passant special chess move

Is en passant still legal?

Nowadays, this move is completely legal. However, it’s considered an exception rule. Therefore, it’s not often seen in tournaments or club games.Neither amateurs in chess tend to use it frequently. But you can definitely play this special move provided that all the requirements are fulfilled.

Is en passant a popular move in chess?

The move is surrounded by lots of misunderstandings, and it’s not widely played. Apart from having numerous conditions to use it, there are other difficulties.You only have one chance to apply the rule with a particular piece. Besides, it’s not always the best possible move out of all options on the board.

What’s the point of using en passant?

This move makes a lot of sense. It was created to balance out the initial double move made by a pawn. The general idea is to be able to capture pawns on the adjacent files.Otherwise, they have a chance to pass without obstacles and become a queen too easily. En passant makes the process more fair and equal for both sides.

Should I always use an opportunity to take en passant?

It’s recommended to use en passant in accordance with your situation. Consider all the options possible. If it’s the best move you can make, then choose it.Also, in case you play with a beginner, explain the essence of the rule beforehand. This way they won’t accuse you of making up things in the process.

How many times can you make en passant?

Almost all pawns meet two of the opponent’s pawns as they advance. In theory, it’s one from each side. Therefore, a player has two opportunities to capture the rival’s piece with this special move.However, they will be able to take only one of them. After the rule is applied, the pawn changes its position and cannot repeat the move.

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Posted by Justin Collins - Candidate Master of Chess
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Justin Collins is an experienced chess player and a Candidate Master of Sports. The editor of the website chess-en-passant.com. He took part in numerous regional USA championships. Also, he contributes to chess popularization by giving workshops for beginners and interviews for newspapers.
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