|
|
Welcome back. Perhaps you'd like to tell me what you'd like me to call you this lesson.
|
|
Now you know how pawns move you're almost ready to fight your first battle. But first, are you sure you remember the EN PASSANT rule?  Yes, and I have a certificate to prove it. No, it was too hard for me to understand. |
|
|
OK, kiddo, here are the RULES OF BATTLE. There is a flag at each end of the battlefield. There are three ways you can win the battle. 1. You can win by getting a pawn to the end of the board where he can CAPTURE THE FLAG. 2. You can win by killing all the soldiers in the enemy army. 3. You also win if your opponent cannot make any moves. 
|
|
Here's the position at the start of the battle. Remember: White starts the battle and you take it in turns to move. If you want a fight, go away and find an enemy. If you don't have any enemies don't worry: we've got one for you. But first, here are some tips to help you win your battles.
|
|
This is a battle between two armies. In most battles, the bigger and stronger army wins. So you should try to get a stronger army than your enemy by capturing a pawn for free. In this position it's White's move. He can CAPTURE the pawn on e5 for free. White will then have a bigger army than Black so will stand more chance of winning the battle.
|
|
So when you're fighting a battle you have to think BEFORE you make your move. In this position, it would be a mistake to move from e2 to e4 because the enemy soldier on d5 would be able to kill you. When you've thought of a move, always stop and make sure it's safe before playing it.
|
|
But this position is different. Here, if you move from e2 to e4, the enemy soldier on d5 will still be able to capture you. But then your pawn on d3 will be able to capture him. This is an EXCHANGE (a TRADE or a SWAP). You'll learn later that EXCHANGES can be good or bad. But usually they're OK. One soldier in each army gets killed. It's unlucky if you're the guy who gets killed but it's a fair result for both armies.
|
|
|
That's the end of the lesson, kiddo.
You now have to do a REALLY HARD EXAM to check you understand about CAPTURES and EXCHANGES. Cool! I'll do it now! Can I repeat the lesson first? I'll do it later - I have to go now No way - I don't like doing exams |