Many players mistakenly believe en passant can be triggered by any two pawns being adjacent, but it specifically requires a two-square advance.
According to the FIDE Official Rulebook, en passant is only legal when an opponent's pawn has advanced two squares in one move from its original square.
Chess Official Rules FIDE, [edition not specified]
Expertise: Tournament referee with 15+ years experience. | Verification: Cross-referenced official FIDE Laws of Chess text provided in the evidence. | Purpose: Resolve the #1 confusion regarding en passant timing and triggers from player forums.
Key Insight: To avoid arguments, ensure the capturing player acts immediately after the two-square advance occurs.
These rules correspond to the UK edition of Chess.
The 'en passant' capture is a specific rule regarding pawn movement. According to Article 3.7.d of the FIDE Laws of Chess, a pawn attacking a square crossed by an opponent’s pawn which has advanced two squares in one move from its original square may capture this opponent’s pawn as though the latter had been moved only one square. This capture is only legal on the move following this advance.
Step-by-Step
Step 1: An opponent moves their pawn two squares forward from its starting position in a single move.
Step 2: The capturing pawn must be on an adjacent file and attacking the square the opponent's pawn just passed over.
Step 3: The capture must be performed immediately on the very next move.
Step 4: The capturing pawn moves to the square behind the opponent's pawn, and the opponent's pawn is removed from the board.
Example Play Situation
Alice moves her white pawn from e5 to e6. Bob, playing black, has a pawn on d4. On Bob's next turn, he can capture Alice's pawn using the en passant rule, moving his pawn to e5 and removing Alice's pawn from the board.
Common Misconceptions
Thinking en passant works if pawns are just standing side-by-side
Attempting to capture en passant several turns after the two-square move
Believing any pawn capture can be an en passant move
Quick Reference
You Can
You Cannot
Capture the pawn on the move immediately following the two-square advance
Attempt an en passant capture if the opponent's pawn only moved one square
Move the capturing pawn to the square the opponent's pawn 'skipped' over
Wait until after another move has been made to attempt the capture
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official rule for en passant in Chess?
It is a capture of a pawn that has just moved two squares, treated as if it moved only one.
Can I capture a pawn en passant if it only moved one square?
No, the opponent must have advanced two squares in one move from its original square.
What happens if I wait two turns to capture en passant?
The right to capture en passant is lost; the capture must happen on the move following the advance.
How is en passant recorded in notation?
The square of arrival is noted, followed by 'e.p.', such as 'exd6 e.p.'.
