The pin is one of the quietest and most effective tactics in Chinese chess. It does not win a piece directly — it removes an enemy piece's freedom, which is worth roughly the same thing.

1. What a pin is

The essence of a pin is: if you move, I hit what is behind you. The typical structure is:

  • your chariot or cannon is aimed at an enemy piece;
  • directly behind that piece stands something more valuable — the general, or a major piece;
  • so the moment it moves, the target behind it is exposed.

The pinned piece is effectively half frozen.

2. The three types

  1. Absolute pin — the general stands behind the pinned piece. Moving it would expose the general, which is illegal, so it cannot move at all.
  2. Relative pin — a chariot or other major piece stands behind. Moving loses material, so the piece usually stays put, but it is legal to move.
  3. Partial pin — something smaller stands behind. Whether to move becomes a judgement call.

The absolute pin is by far the strongest and often decides which side of the board the attack should go.

3. How to create a pin

  • Use open lines — chariots and cannons are natural pinners; look for files and ranks where enemy pieces are stacked;
  • Use a check — a checking move very often creates a pin as a side effect;
  • Force a blocker — make an enemy piece sit directly in front of its own general.

4. How to break a pin

  • Add a defender — protect the pinned piece with another piece so it is free to move;
  • Trade the pinner — exchange off the piece doing the pinning and the pin disappears;
  • Counter-pin — create a bigger threat so your opponent must answer it first;
  • Move the general — stepping the general off the line downgrades an absolute pin to a relative one.

5. Why it matters

The real value of a pin is trading one move for a long-term positional advantage. The pinned piece is still on the board but cannot defend, which is close to being a piece up.

A good habit: on every move ask yourself two questions — is any of my pieces pinned right now? and can I pin one of theirs?

Read next: the deflection and blocking guides.