Tactics: Skewer (X-ray)

A skewer (x-ray) is sometimes described as a "reverse pin"; the difference is that in a skewer, the more valuable piece is in front of the piece of lesser or equal value. The opponent is compelled to move the more valuable piece to avoid its capture, thereby exposing the less valuable piece which can then be captured

• Only pieces that can move an indefinite number of squares in a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal line such as bishops, rooks and queens, can skewer opposing pieces. Kings, knights, and pawns cannot skewer.

The purpose of a successful Skewer is to:

1. Gain a material advantage.

Below are several diagrams of 
situations involving the skewer tactic.

A green colored box represents the attacking piece(s)
A blue colored box represents the path of attack
A red colored box represents the target(s) of the attack

Diagram 1

 Bishop skewer against a queen and a rook

 

Tactics: Pin

A pin is a situation brought on by an attacking piece in which a defending piece cannot move without exposing a more valuable defending piece on its other side to capture by the attacking piece.

• Only pieces that can move an indefinite number of squares in a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal line such as bishops, rooks and queens, can pin opposing pieces. Kings, knights, and pawns cannot pin.

The purpose of a successful Pin is to:

1. Restrict the movement of an opponent's piece.

2. Force an exchange of pieces of equal value.

3. Gain a material advantage.

Below are several diagrams of 
situations involving the pin tactic.

A green colored box represents the attacking piece(s)
A blue colored box represents the path of attack
A red colored box represents the target(s) of the attack

Diagram 1

 Bishop pin against a rook and queen