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Reciprocal Zugzwang
Inspired by my students and my wife! My first experience as an author. Picture by O.Tsvetkova.

Reciprocal Zugzwang

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While working with my pupils, we  got acquainted with some interesting positions devoted to PAWN ENDGAMES. I tried to figure out whether such positions are analyzed in most popular endgame books, and decided that NOT so enough, as probably they could be. Welcome -
"Reciprocal Zugzwang"

Of course it is a well known position, that can arise in many different ways. But it is very actual for practical chess, as well as only one made wrong move may lose instead of win. For example:

But in my research I decided to concentrate mostly on positions with "Reciprocal Zugzwang" with some extra pawns on the other flank. And to understand the patterns of these types of positions.
With short time controls or just in "Zeitnot" it is worth knowing not only the typical endgame positions, but also understand the simple logic of what is going on. So lets go!
1.Absolute symmetry (1 vs 1, 2 vs 2).

As far as the pawn structure is the specular, the side who has to move first - must lose! Lets check some examples.

Another similar one:

So with this pattern we can easily and quickly find solution in the following position.

2. 3 vs 3
With more pawns on the board the idea is still the same, but we have to calculate well! (As always!)
My idea is "always to try to diminish the number of your opponent's answers".  If we try to implement this principle, we will be able to count faster and make less mistakes.
M.Euwe ,1940

Another more complex example.

In the next example try to find the shortest way yourself, according to the previous technic!

In our last example we will look through other possible first black moves, in order to prove that all they lose with the right play from white's side.

After short theoretical part devoted to "Reciprocal Zugzwang" I suggest you to strengthen your knowledge, and do some exercises from real games. Which also show the importance of this principle.

If you have some problems while going through positions 1-6, I recommend you to return and once again play the theoretical part of the article. Do not hurry!

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I hope that my little research will help not only young  and club players, but maybe every chessplayer will reveal something useful to himself!

Hope for your comments. See you soon!

G.Sharankov