In chess, a pawn is the most numerous piece on the board, with each player starting with eight. Pawns move forward one square at a time but capture diagonally. They are unique because they can promote to any other piece, usually a queen, when they reach the opponent's back rank. Pawns play a crucial role in controlling the board and creating strategic opportunities. They can form pawn structures that influence the game's dynamics. While often seen as the weakest pieces, their potential for promotion and ability to support other pieces make them vital in both offense and defense.