ChessAnalyzerPins: chess tactics explained, with 10 puzzles
A pin attacks a piece that cannot move without exposing something more valuable behind it. When the piece behind is the king, the pin is absolute and the pinned piece may not move at all. Then attack the pinned piece again.
Every puzzle below comes from a real game position, and every solution was verified with Stockfish 18: each move you need to find is the only good move — the second-best alternative is at least two pawns worse. Try to solve each one before opening the solution.
Puzzle 1 Beginner
White to move. Use a pin to win material.
Hint
Find a line where an enemy piece shields a more valuable one.
Solution
15. Rxa8
Rxa8 pins a defender so it cannot move without exposing something more valuable. The pinned piece is then lost. 15. Rxa8. White wins a rook.
Puzzle 2 Beginner
White to move. Use a pin to win material.
Hint
Find a line where an enemy piece shields a more valuable one.
Solution
20. Qxf4
Qxf4 pins a defender so it cannot move without exposing something more valuable. The pinned piece is then lost. 20. Qxf4. White wins a piece.
Puzzle 3 Beginner
Black to move. Use a pin to win material.
Hint
Find a line where an enemy piece shields a more valuable one.
Solution
25… Bxc5
Bxc5 pins a defender so it cannot move without exposing something more valuable. The pinned piece is then lost. 25… Bxc5. Black wins a piece.
Puzzle 4 Beginner
Black to move. Use a pin to win material.
Hint
Find a line where an enemy piece shields a more valuable one.
Solution
7… Rxa1
Rxa1 pins a defender so it cannot move without exposing something more valuable. The pinned piece is then lost. 7… Rxa1. Black wins a rook.
Puzzle 5 Beginner
White to move. Use a pin to win material.
Hint
Find a line where an enemy piece shields a more valuable one.
Solution
20. Qxc4
Qxc4 pins a defender so it cannot move without exposing something more valuable. The pinned piece is then lost. 20. Qxc4. White wins the queen.
Puzzle 6 Beginner
White to move. Use a pin to win material.
Hint
Find a line where an enemy piece shields a more valuable one.
Solution
29. Qxh4
Qxh4 pins a defender so it cannot move without exposing something more valuable. The pinned piece is then lost. 29. Qxh4. White wins the queen.
Puzzle 7 Beginner
White to move. Use a pin to win material.
Hint
Find a line where an enemy piece shields a more valuable one.
Solution
21. Qxh7
Qxh7 pins a defender so it cannot move without exposing something more valuable. The pinned piece is then lost. 21. Qxh7. White wins a rook.
Puzzle 8 Beginner
Black to move. Use a pin to win material.
Hint
Find a line where an enemy piece shields a more valuable one.
Solution
8… Rxa1
Rxa1 pins a defender so it cannot move without exposing something more valuable. The pinned piece is then lost. 8… Rxa1. Black wins a rook.
Puzzle 9 Beginner
Black to move. Use a pin to win material.
Hint
Find a line where an enemy piece shields a more valuable one.
Solution
7… Rxa1
Rxa1 pins a defender so it cannot move without exposing something more valuable. The pinned piece is then lost. 7… Rxa1. Black wins a rook.
Puzzle 10 Beginner
Black to move. Use a pin to win material.
Hint
Find a line where an enemy piece shields a more valuable one.
Solution
7… Rxa1
Rxa1 pins a defender so it cannot move without exposing something more valuable. The pinned piece is then lost. 7… Rxa1. Black wins a rook.
Other tactics
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