Can a Pawn Take a King in Chess? (Full Explanation)

Gulshan Kumar
Gulshan Kumar
|

6 min read

|

Last updated: Feb 17, 2026

A close-up of a hand using a white pawn to capture a black king on a chessboard, symbolizing the question ‘Can a pawn take a king in chess?’

Is it possible to take away a king on the chess board using a pawn? It is one of the frequent questions for beginners. And the answer is easy, yes, a pawn can take a king, since it can take any piece on the board, and that means that it can checkmate the king.

However, in reality, the king is never taken captive. To describe the ability and inability of the pawns to move, to enter into a check, or to become a Queen, we will explain it step by step.

FAQ

  • No, pawns can never capture kings when trapped; it's a checkmate, but not capture.
  • Yes, pawns can check a king by attacking the piece diagonally, and when he is just one step away with the protection.
  • No, a pawn can’t checkmate the king by itself because it needs to be one step away from the king, so it needs the protection to checkmate the king.
  • Yes, a pawn can become a queen after reaching the opposition end phase and then substitute with a queen to do the checkmate.

Related Posts

Mastering Time Controls in Online Chess: Blitz, Bullet & Rapid Explained

Mastering Time Controls in Online Chess: Blitz, Bullet & Rapid Explained

Learn bullet, blitz, and rapid chess time controls, their strategies, and tips to choose the right format for your skill level in online chess.

Gulshan Kumar

Gulshan Kumar

DateDate09.02.2026
Pawn Structure: Key Chess Strategies Every Player Must Know

Pawn Structure: Key Chess Strategies Every Player Must Know

Learn pawn structure in chess, including key types, plans, and common weaknesses. Improve your positional play and make better decisions today.

chess.game Team

chess.game Team

DateDate27.01.2026
How to Win at Chess: Proven Strategies for Faster Improvement

How to Win at Chess: Proven Strategies for Faster Improvement

Learn how to win at chess with clear strategies, smart planning, and mistake-free play. Improve faster, outplay opponents, and start winning games today.

chess.game Team

chess.game Team

DateDate05.01.2026