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Nothing wrong with asking these questions, some people are interested in the games rich history as well as playing it. It is my understanding that the initial two square move option was added to the game in Europe between the 14th to 15th centurys. It was one of several changes made to speed up the game. Others include the ability of bishops to move an unlimited number of unubstructed spaces along its diagonal, the new more powerful Queen, and the addition of castling.
So, the reason a pawn has to go back to moving only one square forward at a time is because that is what it has always done. It being able to move two squares forward on its first move is one of these new rules.
Incidently, it is believed by some that the L shaped move of a knight and its ability to "jump" over other pieces is based on the way calvary and other mounted forces move in the field of battle. Which is what the knight has always represented even though it hasn't always been called a "knight".


The Immortal Game: A history of Chess by David Shenk. I enjoy playing Chess but I also enjoy history and reading so when I can combine all three that is a definite win for me.

I hate en-passant, but I got to live with it.It kind of handicap's the pawn's a bit.
While you may be cramped by the opponent's pawn on your 4th rank (he can use en passant), it can benefit you when the position is reversed, when you have a pawn on your 5th rank. It's a double-edged weapon. Going back to the question, I agree with Bone_Orchard's complete reply--it speeds up the game...
Initially I had a hard time understanding about the pond... it's a pawn. Terms: each side has 16 units (I think they're called units), 8 pawns and 8 pieces; chess pieces are the rook, knight, bishop, queen and king.


why does a pond have the ability to move two spaces ahead then half to return to only going a simple pase of one space ahead.
i think you are confusing chess with swimming!

I guess you wouldn't be any fun to play against in Stratego
I like to see the pawns initial two space move as something caused by the king's ability to rally his foot soldiers. Afterwards, pawns just move at their normal rate.
why does a pond have the ability to move two spaces ahead then half to return to only going a simple pase of one space ahead.