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.

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.