If Black in this position move the P to K 3, then the White P at B 5 can capture it in the usual course, that is by taking it off the square it occupied at K 3 and occupying the vacated square. Should, however, the Black P go to K’s 4 then the White P at B 5 could capture it en passant, or “in passing” as the term means. This is done by lifting the B P from K 4 (to which square it has gone) and placing the W P not on the square thus left vacant but on the K 6 (Black K 3) precisely as if the Black P had only moved to K 3. In the position on the diagram, should the Black P go to K 4, then the White P at Q’s fourth could capture it in the ordinary manner. It must be borne in mind that the right of capturing en passant must be exercised on the move immediately following the one which the adverse Pawn has made its move from the second to the fourth square, otherwise the right lapses.
VI
I now resume the easy lessons by giving a list of Technical Terms.
Adverse Piece, Adverse Pawn.—An “adverse piece” is a piece of an opposite colour to your own, and, of course, belongs to your adversary. Similarly, an “adverse Pawn” is a Pawn of an opposite colour to your own.
Attack.—The combined action of several men against an adverse position. Attacks, of course, are generally made directly against the King, but occasionally they are directed against some weak point in the enemy’s position apart from the King.
To Attack: Attacked.—A piece or Pawn attacks an adverse man when it threatens to capture it on the move. A piece or Pawn is said to be “attacked” when it is threatened with capture on the move by an adverse man.
Castling.—This combined move of K and R I have fully described previously.
Check.—This term signifies that the King is attacked by an adverse piece or Pawn. It is one of the very fundamental principles of the game that the King cannot be captured, and therefore when a move is made by which he is attacked, notice thereof must be given by audibly saying “Check.” The King is now said to be “checked,” or “in check,” and this check must be at once parried. There are three methods by which this can be done:—
- By moving the King on to a square not commanded by any of the adverse men.
- By interposing a man between the attacking piece and the King.
- By capturing the attacking man.
There are three descriptions of checks:—