The pin
A piece that cannot move without exposing another
Try this lesson in Chess40Step 1
A pin: a piece cannot move because a more valuable piece stands behind it on the same line. The knight on c6 may not move at all: its king would be in check.
Step 2
The knight on e5 is pinned to its king. White to play: attack it with a pawn and win it.
White to move.
Show the answer
Solution: 1. f4
Step 3
White to play: pin the black queen to its king and win it.
White to move.
Show the answer
Solution: 1. Bc4
Step 4
Why can't a piece pinned to its king simply move away?
- Its own king would be left in check, which is not allowed
- Pinned pieces are captured at once
- It can move, it is just slower
Show the answer
Answer: Its own king would be left in check, which is not allowed