How Chess Pawns Move

The diagram here shows each of our two example Pawns with a single possible move. The White Pawn on the left can only capture the Black Pawn on its right diagonal.

The Pawn can't advance on the column because it is blocked by a piece. It can't capture on the left diagonal because the square is empty. The Black Pawn on the right also has only one possible move: it can capture the White Pawn on its diagonal.

In all captures, whether by a Pawn or by another piece, the captured piece is removed from the chess board. Only the opponent's pieces can be captured.