What is Zugzwang? | Chess Terms
The first time chess players hear the word zugzwang they think their opponent's are calling them a funny name! Not quite—Let's take a look.
Zugzwang is a German word which basically means, "It is your turn to move, and all of your moves are bad!" There is no "pass" or "skip a move" in chess, so sometimes having to move can lose the game!
Will you be the winner or the loser in the "zugzwang battle"?
Zugzwang is a fun word to say with the pronunciation being [ˈtsuːktsvaŋ]. Chess being an international game has adopted languages from other countries. Zugzwang is a German word which translates to "compulsion to move."
2) Zugzwang can be simple or complex
Many endgames and endgames studies involve zugzwang in very complex positions.
3) Notable Games
This game is famous for it's demonstration of the zugzwang theme.
Friedrich Sämisch
4) Zugzwang Workout
Try these two zugzwang puzzles to test your new knowledge!
Zugzwang is a very devious way to win the game! Usually it is beneficial to be able to make a move, but by forcing your opponent to move you make them lose the game!
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