It's a set rule, and anyone who considers it cheating should consult a rule-book, period. What do these folks reckon should happen when a pawn reaches the bank rank? Should it just stay there, or maybe jump back to its starting square? :-)
Pawn Promotion
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If a person told you that promoting is cheating, then you can probably beat them at chess 
Promoting my pawns in chess is one of my favourite moves in chess. Of course it is a legal move!
Remember you can promote the pawn to any piece except for a king. Most of the time, the pawn is promoted to a queen. If you want to learn more about pawns, go to www.geocities.com/chessdiva.show
That's cool, grandma playing chess! What's the point of a pawn's life if not for the possibility of promotion? Just to add, a pawn can be promoted to any piece (Q, R, B or N) even if you already have those pieces, or if none of your pieces are lost. I'm saying this because some players insist that you can only promote to an already captured piece.
I'm amazed by how many of my non-chess playing friends think this is not a real rule! Good question to ask, this needs to be cleared up.
I find this an excellent discussion! I, too, find that many a novice just let pawns pass and pass like they are no threat; however, when that very same pawn(s) put that crown on they are a serious threat!
I am relative new to the game--I mean I knew 'how to play' chess as a kid; you know, board set up, how the pieces moved, the lot. It has been in the last weeks that I've come to realize what an awesome game chess can be, and the brain massage is incredible! CHEERS!
The U.S. Chess Federation rule book 5th Edition states on page 16, paragraph 8F6, " On reaching the last rank a pawn must be immediately exchanged, as part of the same move, for the players choice of a Queen, a rook, a bishop or a knight of the same color as the pawn. The exchange of the Pawn for another piece is called promotion" Tell them to read the book and you enjoy your chess it is a great game
irishMike
Charlie91 wrote: That's cool, grandma playing chess! What's the point of a pawn's life if not for the possibility of promotion? Just to add, a pawn can be promoted to any piece (Q, R, B or N) even if you already have those pieces, or if none of your pieces are lost. I'm saying this because some players insist that you can only promote to an already captured piece.
This is also the argument I heard yesterday. I suppose it makes sense but I like the actual rule MUCH BETTER!
I really like the idea of an upside-down rook, I'll be using that later on (pending I can get that pretty pawn across). Thanks for clearing everything up, I now have a defense to my argument!
And rilog, I did beat him 
rich wrote: Once I had three Bishops.
Why not two bishops and two queens?
Once I had 4 knights
Kind of ironic that this is precisely what today's puzzle was about.
4 knights is rather impressive. One time I got across and promoted a pawn to a knight and the king was instantly in check :D it was the perfect placement.
Rich I was asking because I can't see why to choose a rook or a bishop over the option of a queen. My roommate was telling me he does it so it doesn't appear as much of a threat but personally I'd rather have the strong arm.
rich wrote:
What ever.
Exactly
Whats the point o fgetting a bishop or rook with the promotion? a queen is like a bishop-rook. I can see getting a knight (kind of, atleast it moves different).
but ya, i have always used upside down rook=queen, its nice.
they should change the rules and allow one pawn to turn into two pawns that go backwards
timmaylivinalie wrote: they should change the rules and allow one pawn to turn into two pawns that go backwards
ooh i like the idea of backwards pawns
rich wrote: Actually the whole idea of backwards pawns is stupid.
fine, how about pawns with little guns that can kill while stationary over long distances?
Cmon guys...It's tough enough to get that little @#!% to the opposite rank....AND getting to choose whichever piece that suits your current and future needs is fair compensation (IMHO) why limit yourself with A BACKWARDS PAWN....You get an "A" for creativity though.
underpromotion to a rook or bishop would be to avoid a stalemate im assuming... however rare that situation might be...
So I got my grandma a nice antique chess set for her birthday and we started playing a game in the lobby at the hotel.
I heard from two separate people that day, and another today, that pawn promotion is considered cheating in their books. I've just started playing a couple months ago so I'm not wholly clear on the rules.
What's the deal with pawn promotion? Is it a personal preference or a set rule that every game should follow such as white moves first.