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Pin is Mightier than the Sword in Chess!

by | Oct 8, 2024 | Articles

Yes, you heard it right! The pin is probably the most used chess motif. It’s a tactic that can turn

the tide of a game, and it comes with some catchy phrases:

● PIN = WIN
● Pin to Win
● Pin and Grin

Let’s dive into the concept of the pin in chess and understand its significance.

What is a Pin in Chess?

A pin is a tactic used to restrict an opponent’s piece from moving. It occurs when you attack an opponent’s lower-value piece, and behind it, there is a higher-value piece. The pinning piece attacks the pinned piece, which cannot move without exposing the more valuable back piece.

Key Terms:

● Back Piece: The higher-value piece behind the pinned piece.
● Pinned Piece: The piece that is restricted from moving.
● Pinning Piece: The piece that creates the pin.

Types of Pins

1. Absolute Pin: An absolute pin occurs when the pinned piece is shielding the king. Moving the pinned piece would expose the king to check, which is illegal.

chess

In this position, the knight is the absolute pin because the knight cannot move as the white bishop will attack the king if the knight moves.

2.  Relative Pin: A relative pin happens when the pinned piece is shielding a more valuable piece, but not the Moving the pinned piece is legal but not advisable, as it would expose the higher-value piece to capture.

 

chess

Black knight on f6 can make a legal move but if the knight moves away then black will lose its queen

Why Pins are Powerful

Pins are powerful because they restrict your opponent’s options and can lead to material gain. By pinning a piece, you can immobilize it and potentially win the higher-value piece behind it. Pins can also be used defensively to protect key squares or pieces.

Hence it is also said,

 

  • “Pin it to win it!”
  • “A pin a day keeps the losses away.”
  • “Pin and grin, it’s a win!”

Understanding and utilizing pins effectively can significantly improve your chess game. Whether it’s an absolute pin or a relative pin, mastering this tactic will give you an edge over your opponents.

Happy pinning! 🏆

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