What is a trapped piece chess tactic?
A trapped piece in chess refers to a piece that is unable to move or that can only move to a square that is controlled by the opponent. Trapping a piece is a common tactic used by players to gain an advantage in the game.
Pin
One of the most common examples of trapping a piece is the “pin.” A pin is a tactic where a piece is unable to move because it would expose a more valuable piece behind it to capture. For example, if a rook is attacking a queen that is pinned to a king, the queen cannot move without exposing the king to capture.
Skewer
Another example of trapping a piece is the “skewer.” A skewer is similar to a pin, but instead of a more valuable piece being behind the piece that is trapped, the skewer attacks two pieces of equal or nearly equal value.
Fork
Trapping a piece can also be done by creating a “fork.” A fork is a tactic where a piece attacks two or more pieces at the same time, making it impossible for the opponent to protect all of them.
Double attack
Another way to trap a piece is by creating a “double attack.” A double attack is a tactic where a piece attacks two or more pieces at the same time, making it impossible for the opponent to defend all of them.