A zwischenzug, or in-between move, is a forcing move played instead of the move everyone expects, often a recapture. The expected move is still there afterwards.
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Start0/3
Players expect a recapture and stop looking. A check or a bigger threat first gains a move, and the expected move is still waiting.
How to do it
- 1Before making the obvious move, look for a check or a bigger threat.
- 2Make sure the obvious move will still be there afterwards.
- 3Play the forcing move first, then the one you meant to play.
For your level
Check every forcing move before the natural one, in your lines and in your opponent's. Usually it changes nothing, and when it does, it often decides the game.
Check you have it
Question 1 of 1
Play the moves through and count. How much material has the attacker won?
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Common mistakes
- Inserting a move that is not forcing, so the opponent ignores it.
- Forgetting that your opponent can play a zwischenzug in the middle of your combination.
Questions
- What does zwischenzug mean?
- It is German for "in-between move". It is also called an intermezzo. Either way it means a forcing move played before the expected one.