Passed-pawn annotation symbol

⯽ is Unicode character U+2BFD. U+2BFD is its code point, the stable number Unicode uses to identify that character. Its standardized name is PASSED SYMBOL, and its documented chess use is to mark a passed pawn. Older systems may instead show ⚨ , which Scid uses with the same meaning. A pawn is passed when, in the direction it moves, no opposing pawn remains ahead on its own file or either neighboring file.

Passed but not isolatedIsolated but not passed

⯽: passed but not isolated

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

a1

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

d5 is passed: no black pawn stands ahead on the c, d, or e-files.

The three-file test

The white pawn on d5 has no black pawns ahead on the c, d, or e-files. The friendly pawn on c4 occupies a neighboring file, so the pawn on d5 is not isolated.

1. d5 is passed: no black pawn stands ahead on the c, d, or e-files.
2. The pawn on c4 keeps d5 from being isolated.

The mark identifies a positional feature, not a complete evaluation. A passed pawn can be dangerous because it may reach the last rank and promote, meaning it becomes a queen, rook, bishop, or knight. Even so, an opposing piece may stop it by standing in front, capture it, or force it to depend on support. The symbol does not say how far advanced the pawn is or whether the game is winning.

Passed but contained

⯽: passed but contained

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

a1

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

The pawn on d6 is passed, but the rook on d7 blocks and attacks it.

The rook occupies the advance square

The white pawn on d6 has no black pawns ahead on the c, d, or e-files, but the black rook on d7 blocks its advance and attacks it. Being passed does not guarantee promotion.

1. The pawn on d6 is passed, but the rook on d7 blocks and attacks it.

The modern glyph and its historical alternative can look different across fonts. A font without the character may display an empty box even though the underlying text is valid.