How to Promote Pawns
Promote a Pawn to a Queen, Rook, Bishop or Knight
Pawn Promotion
Pawn promotion occurs when a pawn reaches the opponent's back rank (the eighth rank for White or the first rank for Black). Upon reaching this rank, the pawn must be promoted to another piece, which can be a queen, rook, bishop, or knight. The chosen piece replaces the pawn on the same square.
Promotion is compulsory - a pawn cannot remain a pawn upon reaching the 8th rank.
Board is interactive - move a piece
The pawn can be promoted as follows :
Promoting to a Queen:
Most commonly chosen due the queen's powerwful long range and ability to move in multiple directions.
Promoting to a Knight:
Occasionally chosen for its unique movement, especially if it can deliver a check or checkmate immediately.
Underpromotion
Choosing a rook or bishop is rare but can be necessary to avoid stalemate or to attack a particular square.