What is a pin?

A pin is a situa
on brought on by an aacking piece in which a defending piece
cannot move without exposing a more valuable defending piece on its other
side to capture by the aacking piece. "To pin" refers to the ac
on of the aack-
ing piece inducing the pin, and the defending piece so restricted is described
as pinned.
Only pieces that can move an indefinite number of squares in a horizontal, ver-

cal, or diagonal line, i.e., bishops, rooks and queens, can pin opposing pieces.
Kings, knights, and pawns cannot pin.

Bishop Pinning Rook Pinning Queen Pinning

Bishop Pinning Rook Pinning Queen Pinning

The pin
Two types of pin

There are two different types of pin each with its own peculiaries.

An absolute pin is one where the piece shielded by the pinned piece is the king.
In this case it is illegal to move the pinned piece out of the line of aack, as that
would place one's king in check.

A relave pin is one where the piece shielded by the pinned piece is a piece
other than the king, but typically more valuable than the pinned piece. Moving
such a pinned piece is legal, but may not be prudent as the shielded piece
would then be vulnerable to capture.

An absolute pin A relave pin

 Puzzle Sheet 1
Level – 1

Pins
White to play and attain a winning position by using a pin*
1. 2. 3.

4. 5. 6.

7. 8. 9.

* A pin is an attack by a line piece (rook, queen or bishop) on an opponent’s piece or pawn, which is blocked by
another piece (usually of higher value).
 Puzzle Sheet 2
Level – 1

Pins
White to play and attain a winning position by using a pin*
1. 2. 3.

4. 5. 6.

7. 8. 9.

* A pin is an attack by a line piece (rook, queen or bishop) on an opponent’s piece or pawn, which is blocked by
another piece (usually of higher value).
 Puzzle Sheet 3
Level – 1

Pins
White to play and attain a winning position by using a pin*

1. 2. 3.

4. 5. 6.

7. 8. 9.
 Puzzle Sheet 4
Level – 1

Pins
White to play and attain a winning position by using a pin*

1. 2. 3.

4. 5. 6.

7. 8. 9.

* A pin is an attack by a line piece (rook, queen or bishop) on an opponent’s piece or pawn, which is blocked by
another piece (usually of higher value).
 Puzzle Sheet 5
Level – 1

Pins
White to play and attain a winning position by using a pin*

1. 2. 3.

4. 5. 6.

7. 8. 9.

* A pin is an attack by a line piece (rook, queen or bishop) on an opponent’s piece or pawn, which is blocked by
another piece (usually of higher value).