Pins

A piece frozen in place by something bigger behind it.

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Pins

Concept

Pins

A piece frozen because moving exposes something bigger behind it. Pile on more attackers until it falls. Absolute pin (king behind) means the piece can't legally move at all.

Remember

• Piece that can't move without exposing a bigger piece behind: pinned.
• Absolute pin (king behind): piece can't legally move.
• Relative pin (queen or rook behind): piece can move but loses material if it does.
• Pile attackers onto the pinned piece: it's a free target.