Pin

A pin is a chess tactic in which a piece cannot move without exposing a more valuable piece (or the king) behind it to capture. The pinned piece is ‘stuck,’ and this restriction can be used to gain a strategic or material advantage.

Introduction
A pin is a powerful chess tactic where a piece is attacked but cannot move without exposing a more valuable piece behind it. Pins are especially useful for restricting the opponent’s mobility, winning material, or setting up future tactical strikes.

How does a pin work? What are the different types of pins? And how can you use them effectively in your games? This article explores the mechanics, types, and strategic applications of the pin.

1. What Is a Pin in Chess?

A pin occurs when:
✔ One piece is attacked and cannot move freely because it would expose a more valuable piece behind it.
✔ The pinned piece is « tied down », limiting its mobility and making it vulnerable.
✔ Long-range pieces (bishops, rooks, and queens) are the most common attackers in a pin.

✅ Example:

• White’s bishop on b5 pins Black’s knight on c6 because moving the knight would expose the king.

2. Types of Pins

2.1 Absolute Pin

• A piece is pinned to the king, meaning it cannot legally move.
• This is the strongest type of pin since the pinned piece is completely immobilized.

✅ Example:

• White plays Bg5, pinning Black’s knight on f6 to the king.
• Black cannot move the knight because doing so would expose the king to check.

2.2 Relative Pin

• A piece is pinned to a more valuable piece (but not the king), meaning it can move, but doing so loses material.
• Often used to pressure and win pieces.

✅ Example:

• White plays Bb5, pinning Black’s knight on c6 to the queen.
• The knight can move, but Black would lose the queen.

2.3 Situational Pin (Tactical or Temporary Pin)

• A piece is temporarily pinned, but the pin can be broken with a tactical resource.
• This occurs when a piece can legally move, but it is dangerous to do so.

✅ Example:

• White plays Qd4, pinning Black’s knight on f6 to the rook on h8.
• Black plays …g5, preparing to escape the pin.

3. Why Are Pins So Powerful?

✔ Restricts the Opponent’s Pieces → A pinned piece is partially or completely paralyzed.
✔ Creates Tactical Opportunities → Pins often lead to winning material.
✔ Can Be Used to Build Long-Term Pressure → In positional play, pins can weaken an opponent’s defense.
✔ Forces the Opponent into Defensive Moves → Your opponent must waste moves dealing with the pin.

✅ Example of Winning Material with a Pin:

1. White plays Bb5, pinning Black’s knight to the king.
2. White follows up with Qa4+, attacking the pinned knight again.
3. Black loses the knight because it cannot move.

4. How to Exploit a Pin

4.1 Attack the Pinned Piece

• If a piece is pinned, add more attackers to force the opponent to lose material.

✅ Example:

• White plays Bg5, pinning Black’s knight.
• White then plays h3 and g4, attacking the pinned knight and forcing Black to lose the piece.

4.2 Use the Pin to Control Key Squares

• A pinned piece cannot defend other squares effectively, allowing for attacks elsewhere.

✅ Example:

• Black’s bishop on f8 is pinned, meaning Black’s kingside cannot be defended properly.

4.3 Break the Opponent’s Defenses

• Pinning defensive pieces can weaken the opponent’s position and lead to checkmate.

✅ Example:

• White pins Black’s knight on f6, removing an important defender of h7.
• White then plays Qh5, threatening checkmate.

5. Famous Games Featuring Pins

5.1 Fischer vs. Taimanov (1971 Candidates Match)

• Bobby Fischer used a beautiful pin on Black’s knight to win material and dominate the position.

✅ Final Move:

• Fischer played Bb5, pinning the knight to the queen, forcing Black to resign.

5.2 Capablanca’s Endgame Pinning Technique

• José Capablanca used pins to trap pieces in endgames, forcing opponents into losing positions.

✅ Key Lesson:

• Pins are useful in all phases of the game, including endgames.

5.3 Kasparov’s Tactical Pin

• Kasparov played Bg5, pinning his opponent’s knight and forcing immediate resignation.

✅ Final Move:

• After doubling rooks, Kasparov won a full piece by attacking the pinned knight.

6. How to Defend Against Pins

✔ Move the King Away → If your piece is pinned to the king, moving the king breaks the pin.
✔ Block the Pinning Piece → If possible, place a pawn or piece in front of the attacker.
✔ Attack the Pinning Piece → If a bishop or rook is pinning you, try to force it to retreat.
✔ Break the Pin with a Tactical Idea → Look for counterattacks, exchanges, or sacrifices.

✅ Example of Defense:

• White pins Black’s knight on f6, but Black plays …h6, forcing the bishop to retreat.

7. Common Mistakes with Pins

❌ Forgetting That a Pinned Piece Cannot Move → Moving a pinned piece illegally exposes the king.
❌ Not Attacking a Strong Pin → Players often set up a pin but fail to attack the pinned piece.
❌ Allowing an Opponent to Break the Pin Easily → If you don’t apply enough pressure, your opponent may escape.
❌ Ignoring the Opponent’s Tactical Pin Threats → Always check if your own pieces are at risk of being pinned.

✅ Example of a Mistake:

• White pins Black’s knight but fails to attack it, allowing Black to escape easily.

8. How to Practice Pins

✔ Solve Tactical Puzzles → Focus on finding pins that win material.
✔ Analyze Grandmaster Games → Study how top players use pins strategically.
✔ Play Slow Games → Look for pin opportunities in longer time control games.
✔ Use Chess Engines → Check if you missed pins in your own games.

✅ Example Training Exercise:

• Find a pinning move in a middlegame position and calculate how to win material.

9. Conclusion

The pin is one of the most effective tactical ideas in chess, limiting an opponent’s mobility and creating winning chances. Mastering the concept will help you gain material, restrict your opponent’s pieces, and launch powerful attacks.

✔ Use pins to restrict movement and win material.
✔ Apply pressure to pinned pieces for maximum effect.
✔ Watch out for counterplay—make sure your own pieces are not vulnerable to pins.
✔ Practice pin-based tactics and study games from masters like Fischer, Capablanca, and Kasparov.

By understanding and applying the pin, you will become a more strategic and tactically sharp chess player, capable of capitalizing on your opponent’s weaknesses!