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Fork + Pin Combinations

A fork and a pin combine when the forked piece cannot move. The pin holds it, and the fork attacks it.

A knight captures a pinned knight

The bishop on b5 pins the knight on c6 to the king on e8. The knight on a5 captures the pinned knight on c6. The bishop defends the capturing knight, so the pinned piece falls for free.

FEN: 4k3/8/2n5/NB6/8/8/8/6K1 w - - 0 1

a b c d e f g h
8 . . . . k . . . 8
7 . . . . . . . . 7
6 . . n . . . . . 6
5 N B . . . . . . 5
4 . . . . . . . . 4
3 . . . . . . . . 3
2 . . . . . . . . 2
1 . . . . . . K . 1
  a b c d e f g h

A pawn forks a pinned knight and a rook

The bishop on a4 pins the knight on c6 to the king on e8. The pawn moves from b4 to b5. It attacks the rook on a6 and the knight on c6 at the same time.

FEN: 4k3/8/r1n5/8/BP6/8/8/6K1 w - - 0 1

a b c d e f g h
8 . . . . k . . . 8
7 . . . . . . . . 7
6 r . n . . . . . 6
5 . . . . . . . . 5
4 B P . . . . . . 4
3 . . . . . . . . 3
2 . . . . . . . . 2
1 . . . . . . K . 1
  a b c d e f g h

Key points

  • A pin holds a piece in place.
  • A fork attacks that piece and another piece.
  • The pinned piece cannot run from the fork.
  • The fork wins the pinned piece or the second target.
  • A fork and pin combination often starts with the pin.
  • A fork and pin combination often ends with a capture.
  • Count whether the pinned piece is defended before you fork it.

Try it Yourself

Edit the code, then press Run.

Running is simulated · Rust Playground

Exercise

White to move. Which move captures the pinned knight on c6?