How the pawn moves on its first turn
Every pawn begins on its second rank (the seventh for Black’s pawns). On its very first move, a pawn can advance either one square or two squares straight forward, as long as both squares in its path are empty. After that first move, it can only go one square at a time.
Pawns never move backward or sideways. They capture one square diagonally forward, which is different from how they move. If a pawn advances two squares and lands beside an enemy pawn, that enemy pawn may capture it “en passant” on the very next move, as though it had advanced only one square.
So 1.e4 and 1.e3 are both legal first moves, and so are 1.d4 and 1.d3. The choice between one and two squares is the first real decision of the game.
Does the first move have to be a pawn?
No. White can open with a knight instead. The legal knight first moves are 1.Nf3 and 1.Nc3 for White’s king’s and queen’s knights (and the corresponding moves to the a-side and h-side squares). Moving a bishop, rook, queen or king first is impossible, because pawns and other pieces block them on the starting position.
In practice, most games begin with a pawn move, and 1.Nf3 is the most popular non-pawn start. It keeps options open, because White can decide later whether to play e4, d4 or c4.
The main first pawn moves
Three first pawn moves account for much of what you will see in serious games.
1.e4 opens lines for the queen and the light-squared bishop and claims space in the center. It tends to lead to open, tactical positions. Many classic openings begin this way, including the Italian Game, the Spanish Defence (Ruy Lopez) and the Sicilian Defence.
1.d4 also claims the center, but the d-pawn is protected by the queen from the start. That makes it a bit sturdier, and games often become slower and more positional. Black’s usual replies include 1…d5 and 1…Nf6.
1.c4 (the English Opening) controls the d5 square from the side. It is flexible and often transposes into d4-style positions, but it asks a little more understanding of pawn structures.
Less common first pawn moves
Other first moves are playable, though they ask for more care:
- 1.b3 or 1.g3 prepare to develop a bishop along a long diagonal.
- 1.f4 (Bird’s Opening) takes control of e5, but it weakens the king’s side a little.
- 1.g4 (the Grob) and 1.a3 or 1.h3 are rarer. They give up some central influence, so they are usually considered less reliable.
None of these loses by force, and strong players do use some of them. They are just less direct at the main goals of the opening: control the center, develop pieces, and get the king safe.
Which first move should a beginner choose?
There is no single correct answer, and the “best” first move is still debated. A sensible approach for a newer player:
- Start with 1.e4 or 1.d4. Both fight for the center and free pieces to develop.
- Pick one and learn the typical ideas, not long memorized lines.
- After the pawn move, develop knights and bishops, castle, and connect your rooks, as laid out in basic chess strategy for beginners.
1.e4 is a common recommendation for beginners because the positions are open and the threats are easier to see. If you want to go deeper once you are comfortable, our guide to advanced chess openings covers how to build a repertoire.
What happens after 1.e4
The most common reply is 1…e5, which leads to open games such as the Italian and the Ruy Lopez. Another popular reply is 1…c5, the Sicilian. Black can also play other moves, and some tricky lines arise early. For example, 1.e4 e5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.f4 is the Vienna Gambit.
Common questions
Can a pawn move backward? No. Pawns only move forward.
Can a pawn move two squares after its first move? No. The two-square option exists only on that pawn’s first move.
What if a piece is directly in front of the pawn? The pawn cannot move forward at all. It is blocked, and it can only capture diagonally.
Is there a best pawn opening? Most strong players treat 1.e4 and 1.d4 as the main choices, but the differences between good first moves are small. Pick what suits your style.