defence · recognise → explain → apply

Use a pin to make a queen exchange safe

An enemy central piece is pinned to the queen and cannot act freely.

Explanation styleChoose any style. Age is not playing strength; no birth date is needed.

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Choose an example

Carlsen,M – Caruana,F

4th GRENKE Chess Classic · 2017.04.19 · 1/2-1/2

13... Bg4 · White to move

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What to notice at 13... Bg4

The bishop pins Nf3 to Qe2. Qxe7 Bxe7 follows in the recorded draw.

A legally replayed historical example, not a claim that every move is best. A game’s result does not prove every defensive position was lost or drawn.

Game source ↗

Your thinking first

Name the signal, choose a plan, and test the opponent’s most challenging response.

What do you notice?What is your plan, and why?How could the opponent resist?

Recall and explain

1. What is behind Nf3 when Black plays ...Bg4?

Explain it in your own words before revealing.

Make it memorable

A pin is leverage, not a prison.

Teach this to a friend in one minute. Then return to a different example and look for the same signal without being told its name.

Reflect and revisit

This is your self-assessment, not an engine grade or a promise of mastery.

Connect the ideas

Sources and further reading

Original LumaChess teaching and game analysis. Topic references are credited below; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

Exeter Chess Club — Junior Club Posters ↗