Expert: Chuck Kinzie - 10/30/2008

Question
I have always played in UK and told that the first pawn to move by each player may move 1 or 2 squares.

Now in Spain a player states that he is allowed to move 2 pawns as his first move instead of opting for 1 pawn 2 squares. Is This correct?

Answer
Hi John.  Thanks for your question.

In the Official Rules of Chess published by the International Chess Federation (F.I.D.E.), you can only move one pawn or piece per move (except when you are castling).  Any pawn's first move can be one square forward or two squares forward.  (If there is a legal capture, then the pawn's first move can be a capture.)

I am unaware of any national chess federation that allows the moving of two pawns on the first (or any) move.  Some local clubs might have minor variations to the "official" rules, but I've never heard of anyone ever being allowed to move two pawns on one move.

I hope I answered your question to your satisfaction.  Enjoy your chess!

Your chess friend,

Chuck