Underpromotion
Underpromotion: Promoting a pawn to a rook, bishop, or knight instead of the usual queen.
In-Depth Explanation
Underpromotion is correct when a queen would cause stalemate or when a knight's unique attack is needed for check, fork, or mate. Rook and bishop promotions are rarer but can avoid stalemate. Promotion is not limited to pieces previously captured, so multiple queens or knights are legal.
Related Rules Terms
En Passant
A special pawn capture rule in chess that occurs immediately after a player moves a pawn two squares forward.
Stalemate
A situation where the player to move is not in check but has no legal moves.
Castling
A special move involving the king and a rook, used to improve king safety and activate the rook.
Recommended Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
Promoting a pawn to a rook, bishop, or knight instead of the usual queen.
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