Pawn: A pawn is interesting: it can move only “ahead”, not backwards towards where its color started. It can move only one place forward in its own column. However to kill it must move one place forward diagonally (it cannot kill by moving straight).

Can a pawn attack backwards diagonally?

A: The Pawn moves directly forward, never backward or to the side. Pawns capture a piece that is one square diagonally forward. Though Pawns normally cannot move diagonally, this is the only way they capture.

Can pawns take backwards?

A pawn can never move backwards, only forward. A Pawn can be captured by another Pawn "en passant” or in passing when it begins by moving two squares. ... Once a pawn reaches the eighth and final rank or row, it can be converted into either a Bishop, Knight, Rook or Queen.