Promotion
A promotion tactic uses a pawn reaching the last rank to create a decisive new piece.
What to look for
Look for passed pawns, forcing checks, clearance of the promotion square, and defenders that can be distracted. Choose the promotion piece that makes the tactic work.
Recognize the mechanism
Count the moves to the last rank and examine the promotion square. Look for checks, clearance and distracted defenders that let the pawn arrive. Evaluate the new piece in the position after promotion, not just its nominal value.
Common practical mistake
Do not automatically choose a queen. Check stalemate, checks and the opponent’s immediate counterplay before choosing the promotion piece.
Training goal
Learn to calculate pawn races and promotion tactics accurately.