Promotion

When a pawn reaches the horizontal row farthest from its starting square, it cannot remain a pawn. As part of that same move, the pawn is removed and a queen, rook, bishop, or knight of the same color is placed on its arrival square. This required exchange is promotion .

The choice does not depend on previously captured pieces. A player may create another queen while the original queen is still on the board, or choose a rook, bishop, or knight even if none has been lost. The new piece takes effect immediately: it may give check, a direct attack on the king, or even checkmate if the king is attacked and no legal reply exists.

A pawn may also reach the last row through a capture. The opposing piece is removed from the arrival square and the chosen new piece is placed there. A pawn cannot promote to a king, another pawn, or an opponent's piece.

Capture, promotion, and immediate effect

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Start

bxa8=R#

The pawn on b7 attacks the rook on a8 and must promote there if it captures.

The pawn can capture on the last rank

The white pawn on b7 can capture the black rook on a8, but it cannot remain a pawn after arriving.

1. The pawn on b7 attacks the rook on a8 and must promote there if it captures.

A queen is usually chosen because it combines the movement of a rook and bishop. Deliberately choosing a rook, bishop, or knight is called underpromotion, and the exact geometry of a position can make it the best choice.