Tactical Motifs
Pin
Also known as:absolute pin, relative pin
Definition
A pin is a tactic where an opponent piece cannot move because doing so would expose a more valuable piece behind it. Absolute pin: the piece behind is the king (pinned piece cannot move at all). Relative pin: the piece behind is valuable but not the king.
Usage and Example
Example: white bishop on b5 pins the black knight on c6 to the black king on e8. The black knight is absolutely pinned and cannot move. Frequently appears in the Ruy Lopez opening.
Grandmaster Tier Context
T1 Beginner (recognize) through T4 National (creating and breaking pins as a plan). Pin is the second most common tactical motif after fork.