In this lesson you're going to learn how to use some more lethal weapons. FORKS are ways of THREATENING two pieces in different directions. But you can also THREATEN two pieces in the same direction. |
But some PINS are like a knife piercing your opponent right through the heart. But don't be scared. Join me now and learn for yourself how to PIN and WIN! |
Now have a go for yourself. It's White's move. How can he use his Bishop to PIN and win the Black Queen?
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To understand this you have to look at ALL the pieces on the board! At first it looks like it would be a mistake for White to capture the Knight on g6 with his Rook. But look again and you'll see that the Bishop on c4 is PINNING the Pawn on f7 to the King. So White can play Rg1xg6 and win a free Knight. Black cannot take the Rook without exposing his King to check. |
Here's another example for you to try for yourself. The White Rook is PINNING the Black Pawn on c7 to the King. What really strong move can White play with his Queen?
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A couple more questions for you. You're White. Black's just moved his Knight from c6 to d4. Is it a good idea for White to play Nf3xd4?
Yes
No
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Yes - it's CHECKMATE
No
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OK, if you think you're so clever, how can White set up a PIN here?
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And what would you play if you were White in this position?
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This position's a bit harder. White's Bishop on c4 is PINNING the Black Pawn on f7. How can White use this PIN to win a vital Pawn with his Queen?
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Just to be different, this time you're BLACK. The White Bishop on e2 is PINNED by the Black Queen. How can you use this to deliver CHECKMATE with your Knight?
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This looks bad for Black. White's just moved his Pawn to d5 to THREATEN the PINNED Knight on c6. It's a bit tricky, but there is a way out for Black. Do you see it? You can move your Pawn from a7 to a6 to THREATEN the Bishop. If the Bishop moves back to a4 you can then play b7-b5 to THREATEN the Bishop again and BREAK the PIN. |
The Black Bishop is PINNING the White Knight in this position, but White can turn the PIN to his advantage. Can you see the move? Try moving your PINNED Knight from f3 to g5, CHECKING the Black King. Black has to get out of check, and, next move, White can play Qd1xg4. |
Time to look at another lethal weapon: the SKEWER. If you've ever eaten a kebab you'll know what a SKEWER is. But how can you use a SKEWER when you're playing chess? Let's have a look! |
A SKEWER is like a PIN the other way round. Your piece THREATENS a more valuable piece, which has to move, allowing you to take a less valuable piece behind it. Here's a simple example. White has just moved his Rook to CHECK the Black King. The Black King must move aside, letting White CAPTURE the Black Rook next move. Simple enough, isn't is? |
Let's see if you can find a SKEWER yourself. Remember, you must move your Queen onto the SAME LINE as both the Black pieces.
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Here's an example from the opening. How can White use a Bishop to SKEWER two Black pieces?
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A few tips to help you use PINS and SKEWERS in your games. It's often a good idea to place your BISHOPS, ROOKS and QUEEN on the same line as more valuable enemy pieces. If there's another enemy piece in the way it will be PINNED. Look out for ways to THREATEN the PINNED piece again. And, if your opponent PINS one of your pieces it's often safest to get out of the PIN by moving the piece behind the PINNED piece out of the way. Remember: PIN AND WIN!! |
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