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The Absolute Pin: Total Paralysis
An absolute pin is one of the most restrictive tactics in chess. It occurs when a piece is pinned to the king and legally cannot move. This creates total paralysis, allowing you to exploit the immobilized piece. Mastering the absolute pin is essential for winning material and destroying defensive structures.
📍 Tactical insight: The pin is the most common way to win material, yet players miss it constantly. Train your eye to spot geometric alignments instantly, so you never miss a chance to paralyze your opponent.
Absolute Pin Examples (Interactive)
Here are practical positions where an absolute pin decides the game.
1. Bronstein vs. Goldenov
Bronstein vs. Goldenov
1.Rc8
1. Rc8 1-0 (1...Rxc8 2. Rxc8 or 1...Bxc8 2. Qxd8++)
1. Rc8 1-0 (1...Rxc8 2. Rxc8 or 1...Bxc8 2. Qxd8++)
2. Lasker vs. Ayala
Lasker vs. Ayala
1.Qa4+
1.Qa4+ Qc6 (1...Kf8 2.Bh6+ Kg8 3.Qe8) 2.Rd8+ Kxd8 3.Qxc6
1.Qa4+ Qc6 (1...Kf8 2.Bh6+ Kg8 3.Qe8) 2.Rd8+ Kxd8 3.Qxc6
3. Euwe vs. Nestler
Euwe vs. Nestler
1.Rg5!
1. Rg5 fxg5 2. Qh8+ Rg8 3. Rf1+ Ke8 4. Qxg8#
1. Rg5 fxg5 2. Qh8+ Rg8 3. Rf1+ Ke8 4. Qxg8#
4. Inarkiev vs Kamsky
Inarkiev vs. Kamsky
1...Bg2+
1...Bg2+ 2.Kxg2 Qxg3+ 3.Kf1 Qh3+ 4.Qg2 Ng3+ {white resigned}
1...Bg2+ 2.Kxg2 Qxg3+ 3.Kf1 Qh3+ 4.Qg2 Ng3+ {white resigned}
5. Supercool Nimzovitsch
Nimzovitsch vs. Rubinstein
1.Qg6!
1. Qg6, Rxd1+ 2. Kg2, Rd2+ 3. Kg3 and mates by Qxh6
1. Qg6, Rxd1+ 2. Kg2, Rd2+ 3. Kg3 and mates by Qxh6
6. Rubinstein combination
Rotlewi vs. Rubinstein
1...Rxc3!!
1...Rxc3!! {this move causes a series of deflections} 2.gxh4 2...Rd2!!
1...Rxc3!! {this move causes a series of deflections} 2.gxh4 2...Rd2!!
7. Never resign a won position (8)
Kofman vs. Sacchetti
1.Re8+
1.Re8+ Kd7 2.Re3! Qg7 3.Rxd4+! Qxd4 4.Rd3!
1.Re8+ Kd7 2.Re3! Qg7 3.Rxd4+! Qxd4 4.Rd3!
⚡ Chess Tactics Guide – Stop Missing Winning Moves (0–1600)
This page is part of the Chess Tactics Guide – Stop Missing Winning Moves (0–1600) — Most games under 1400 are decided by simple tactics. Learn how to spot forks, pins, skewers, discovered attacks, deflections, and mating threats before your opponent does — and stop losing winning positions to missed opportunities.
⚠ Stop Hanging Pieces – The Loose Pieces Drop Off Guide (0–1600)
This page is part of the Stop Hanging Pieces – The Loose Pieces Drop Off Guide (0–1600) — Tired of losing pieces for free? Learn the simple 5-second safety scan that prevents hanging pieces, stops avoidable blunders, and builds reliable board awareness in every position.
Also part of: Essential Chess Glossary