Expert: Satyajit Das - 5/8/2008

Question
hi, i tried playing on our local chess competition for the first time and i've encountered one confusing move...i know the theory about en passant but during one of the game, my opponent moved the pawn (diagonally) and declaring en passant after moving some other pieces other than the said pawn...my concern was, my opponent moved the said pawn, earlier in the game and just moved it later (to complete en passant) after moving few other pieces in the middle of the game, was this legal? Should the en passant move be done in sequence? or my opponent's move was legal? And one more thing? should it be done only in the early game or it can be done even during middle game since my opponent did it almost at the end of the middle game...i really am surprised of that move...please do enlighten...thank you...

Answer
Hi Aimee

Thanks for the question!

I read your question and i would love to inform you that en passant is bounded by some rules. One of which is 'The En passant capture must be done on the very next turn, or the right to do so is lost'. So if your opponent is moving the en passant after making some other moves, IT IS ILLEGAL'. (and making any illegal moves in a chess game by any player in any reputed tournament forefeits the game in opponent's favour, so you have the right to claim victory over your opponent).
Also to answer your second question, en passant can be made at any time during the game.
If any further clarification or proof is needed, please feel free to reply.

Thanks and regards

Satyajit Das
INDIA