Absolute and relative pins
A piece in an absolute pin cannot legally move because it would expose its king to check. In a relative pin it can move, but doing so loses a more valuable piece or allows a serious threat. The distinction changes which replies are possible.
A pinned piece may still defend squares, capture along the pinning line, or be protected by another tactic. Before adding pressure, check whether the opponent can move the king, block the line, exchange the pinning piece, or counterattack.
How to exploit the restriction
Trace the line through the pinned piece and identify the target behind it.
Decide whether the pin is absolute or relative.
Count attackers and defenders of the pinned piece.
Look for a second attacker, a pawn advance, or a removal of its defender.
Calculate how the opponent can break the pin before committing more material.
Typical ways to use a pin
A bishop can pin a knight to the king or queen, while a rook can pin a piece along a file. Adding a pawn attack is often effective because the pinned piece cannot retreat normally. Sometimes the real tactic is against a defender that only appears to protect another square.
Timing rule
Exploit the pin while it exists. If the opponent can move the king or exchange the pinning piece, the restriction may disappear next move.
Turn restriction into a result
Find what the pinned piece protects and choose the move that exploits it before the position changes.
What pin practice develops
These puzzles improve line awareness, attacker counting, and the ability to distinguish legal movement from practical freedom.