Pawns are the most numerous pieces in the game of chess, typically starting on the second row for each player. Each player has eight pawns, and they move forward one square at a time, but capture diagonally. Pawns have a unique ability to move two squares forward on their first move, allowing for quicker advancement. When a pawn reaches the opposite end of the board, it can be promoted to any other piece, usually a queen, which is the most powerful piece in the game. This promotion can significantly change the dynamics of the game, making pawns crucial for strategy.