Chess Tactics Guide : Chess Pin Attack

A Chess Pin attack is one where an attacking piece forces an enemy piece to remain where it is, else risk the loss of a more-valuable piece, directly behind.

Such an attack could be used to either capture the ‘Pinned’ piece, or prevent the enemy from moving that piece, which may prove a larger threat to your plans.

Pin Attacks are performed by any of the three long-range pieces:

• Bishop
• Rook
• Queen

Furthermore, Pins can be either Relative, which means their victim is ‘pinned’ against any Piece, except their King, or Absolute, meaning the shielded Piece IS the enemy King.

Below, you can access a series of mocked-up Pin Attacks, for each of the three pieces, with both a Relative and Absolute alternative …

Chess Tactics Guide : Chess Pin Attack

Relative Pin Attacks
These include attacks where their victim is pinned against a more-valuable Piece, but excludes the enemy King. See one Relative Pin example played by each applicable Piece, respectively …

1) Relative Bishop Pin

The Pin Attack: Black’s Bb6 against White’s Nd4, which defends Re3.

2) Relative Rook Pin

The Pin Attack: White’s Re1 against Black’s Bd4, which defends Nd8.

3) Relative Queen Pin

The Pin Attack: White’s Qg2 against Black’s Nc6, which defends Ra8.

Absolute Pin Attacks
These include attacks on the any Pawn or Piece, which is standing in front of their King. See one Absolute Pin example played by each applicable Piece, respectively …

1) Absolute Bishop Pin

The Pin Attack: Black’s Bf4 against White’s Rd2, which defends its King (Kc1).

2) Absolute Rook Pin

The Pin Attack: White’s Rg8 against Black’s Nd8, which defends its King (Kb8).

3) Absolute Queen Pin

The Pin Attack: Black’s Qd1 against White’s Rd5, which defends its King (Kd8).

BUT, you need to take a closer look … it’s a pity White’s Queen didn’t, as this attack was absolutely foolish!