Larry Smith wrote on Thu, Aug 4, 2011 06:26 PM UTC:
One of the tasks of Pawns is to offer an advantage in the potential
exchange. Being the lowest of rank, trading one(or more) of these for a
power piece can offer a significant advantage in the game.
Thus this is usually a weak and numerous piece. An army for the player.
Its promotion also can offer a significant material advantage, creating a
focus of contention while in play.
At what point can a Pawn no longer be considered such. Does freedom of
movement negate this title? Does movement beyond a single step?
I would advocate that the least powerful(and most numerous) piece of any
game might be designated a Pawn, regardless of its particular powers and
movement.
