{"id":2046,"date":"2022-06-14T07:03:26","date_gmt":"2022-06-14T05:03:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chessily.com\/?p=2046"},"modified":"2022-06-14T17:12:26","modified_gmt":"2022-06-14T15:12:26","slug":"zugzwang","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chessily.com\/glossary\/zugzwang\/","title":{"rendered":"Zugzwang in Chess: Examples & Explanation"},"content":{"rendered":"

Zugzwang in Chess: Everything You Need To Know<\/h1>\n

Since you aren’t allowed to skip moves in chess, situations can arise, in which every move a player could make, worsens their position. This is called being in zugzwang<\/em>; German for “compulsion to move<\/strong>“. Let’s find out more about zugzwang in this guide!<\/p>\n

What is Zugwang?<\/h1>\n

The strict definition of the word zugzwang<\/strong> is “a situation found in chess, wherein one player is put at a disadvantage because of their obligation<\/strong> to make a move”. It’s quite hard to imagine such a position, so let’s look at a very simple example:<\/p>\n

\"simplest
The Simplest Form of a Zugzwang; Black to Move<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

With Black being the player to move, you can see a problem arises for them: They need to guard the e8 square to prevent a pawn promotion<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The only square<\/strong> for the black king<\/a> to move to is f7. After which, White simply advances their king to d7, in turn taking control of the e8 square. The game is now lost for Black, as White can promote their pawn<\/a> into a queen<\/a> or rook<\/a> to force a checkmate.<\/p>\n

Obviously, Black would’ve loved to skip a move<\/strong>, to avoid letting go of the e8 square. This is exactly what zugzwang is about: Moving, even though you really\u00a0<\/em>don’t want to.<\/p>\n

Zugzwang Examples in Complex Games<\/h1>\n

Obviously, the example above is greatly simplified; although this type of position arises thousands of times a day in online chess. But let’s look at zugzwang in the context of more complex games, especially in the middlegame<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Immortal Zugzwang Game<\/h2>\n

This 1923 <\/span>game, played between between S\u00e4misch and Nimzowitsch in Copenhagen, is known as the Immortal Zugzwang Game<\/em>, and for good reason. Have a look at the position, in which White resigned:<\/span><\/p>\n

\"immortal
Immortal Zugzwang Game<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In this position, White has a few pawn moves left, which don’t lose material instantly, but sooner or later, one of his pieces has to be moved.<\/p>\n

Try finding a move for White’s pieces, that doesn’t lose material!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Well, S\u00e4misch struggled to find one as well, which is why he resigned. Although, to be fair, the position itself was already losing, even without the zugzwang. Even if White could’ve skipped moves, Black would eventually be able to trap the white queen and win from there.<\/p>\n

Chess Youtuber agadmator<\/a> has an excellent video explaining the whole game between S\u00e4misch and Nimzowitsch<\/span>:<\/p>\n