ChessschoolPins, threats and safe captures
Before you start
Prerequisites: Pupils know all piece moves, check and basic material values.
Materials: Full sets or selected pieces, demonstration board and worksheets.
After this lesson, pupils can…
- Recognise an absolute pin against the king.
- Check the recapture before taking a piece.
- Explain a move with the opponent’s reply included.
Teach the lesson
- 0–5 minutes
Start and recall
You do or ask: Ask pupils to recall the prerequisite: Pupils know all piece moves, check and basic material values. Have everyone choose an answer before you discuss it.
Pupils do: Pupils explain a known rule and compare their answer with a partner.
- 5–12 minutes
Demonstrate the idea
You do or ask: Set White Ke1 and Re2 against Black Ka8 and Re8. Explain that the white rook may not move off the e-file if that exposes its king. Then compare a relative pin, where a valuable piece rather than the king lies behind the pinned piece.
Pupils do: Pupils predict a move or result, then explain which rule confirms it.
- 12–22 minutes
Guided pair practice
You do or ask: For each candidate capture, one pupil counts what is gained and the other finds the strongest recapture or check. Swap roles and explain whether the full sequence improves the position.
Pupils do: Each pupil thinks independently first. One explains and the other checks; then they swap roles.
- 22–32 minutes
Independent worksheet
You do or ask: Hand out the pupil worksheet. Do not treat every pinned piece as completely unable to move: movement along the pin line can sometimes be legal. Keep the king’s safety as the final test.
Pupils do: Pupils record an answer and a reason. They use the board to test their ideas without viewing the answer sheet.
- 32–40 minutes
Discuss and check
You do or ask: Ask pupils to finish the sentence: “Before capturing, I check…” Discuss one common mistake and return to the stated learning goals.
Pupils do: Each pupil gives an individual exit answer. A pupil who needs support repeats a simpler example before moving on.
Support and extension
Use only three or four pieces and mark the attacking line. For an extension, ask whether capturing the pinning piece or adding a defender changes the answer.
Check understanding
Do not treat every pinned piece as completely unable to move: movement along the pin line can sometimes be legal. Keep the king’s safety as the final test.
Ask pupils to finish the sentence: “Before capturing, I check…”