Zugzwang is a position where the side to move would rather pass, because every legal move makes its position worse. Chess has no pass, so a move must be made.
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Zugzwang decides many endgames. It is why the opposition matters in king and pawn endings, and why a spare pawn move can be worth more than a pawn. When neither side wants to move, the side to move often loses.
How to do it
- 1Ask what would happen if your opponent could pass. If passing would save them, look for zugzwang.
- 2Hand them the move with a waiting move: a spare pawn move or a king triangle.
- 3Keep spare pawn moves in reserve until you need them.
For your level
Keep spare pawn moves in reserve. In a mutual zugzwang the side with a tempo to spare wins the same position the other side loses.
Common mistakes
- Using up spare pawn moves early, so you are the one who must move later.
- Thinking zugzwang only happens in endgames, when blocked middlegames have it too.
Questions
- What is mutual zugzwang?
- A position where whoever is to move is worse off. The play then turns on handing the move to the opponent, often by triangulating with the king.