ChessRangerChessRanger
Tactics

Pin

A piece that cannot move without exposing a more valuable piece behind it.

In an absolute pin the piece behind is the king, so moving the pinned piece would be illegal. In a relative pin the piece behind is merely more valuable, so moving is legal but usually loses material.

Only line pieces pin: bishops, rooks, and queens. A pinned piece is a weak piece — it defends poorly and can be piled on and won.

Why it matters

Pinning a knight that defends the centre, then attacking it again, is one of the oldest ways to win a pawn or force a concession.

The mistake everyone makes

Leaving a knight pinned to your king against a bishop and then getting hit with a pawn advance that wins it. Break the pin early — often with a move like h3 or …h6.

Related terms

Skewer
A pin in reverse — the valuable piece is in front and must move, exposing the piece behind.
Fork
One piece attacking two or more enemy pieces at the same time.
Tactic
A short, forcing sequence of moves that wins material or delivers mate.
Development
Bringing your pieces off the back rank into active, useful positions.

See Pin in your own games

Play the engine, train tactics, and analyse your games — ChessRanger points out these patterns as they come up so the word turns into a skill. Free to start.

Start playing