MindSports

Grand Chess
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Section 1

Pawns & Promotion

The third difference concerns pawns and promotion. Pawns basically behave like Chess pawns: they have the option to move two squares initially and en passant capture applies as usual. There are two differences concerning promotion:

  • Pawns promote optionally on moving to the 8th or 9th rank, compulsory on moving to the 10th.
  • A pawn can only promote to a piece already lost by its side.
This last rule adds to completeness and also marks the end of topsy turvy Rooks. The restriction it poses is compensated by a larger choice of heavy options. Under circumstances it may create the need for an exchange before promoting. There's one detail demanding attention:
  • A pawn on the 9th rank - no piece being lost by its side - may not move. However, if it attacks the opponents King, it nevertheless gives check!
I can't think of a better way to show that an option is better than an obligation than Peter Hans van den Muijzenberg's checkmate in 2:

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