Zugzwang in the endgame is a position where every move makes things worse, so having to move loses. With few pieces left, a spare pawn move often decides who is in zugzwang.
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With few pieces left, many positions have no safe move at all. A spare pawn move hands the turn to the opponent, so spending one early is a common way to turn a win into a draw.
How to do it
- 1Count the spare pawn moves on both sides before the kings meet.
- 2Keep yours in reserve and make the opponent spend theirs.
- 3When they run out, take the opposition or a key square.
For your level
Spare tempi are a resource like material. Trading off your last waiting move can turn a won endgame into a draw.
Check you have it
Question 1 of 1
Which white pawn has no enemy pawn able to stop it?
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Common mistakes
- Making pawn moves early because nothing else seems useful, then having none when they matter.
- Pushing a pawn two squares when one square would have kept a move in hand.
Questions
- How do I count spare tempi?
- Count the pawn moves each side can make without losing a pawn or opening the position for the opponent. The side with more can hand the move over when it matters.