Zugzwang (German for "compulsion to move",) is a term originally used in chess which also applies to various other games.

There are three types of chess positions:

1. both sides would benefit if it were their turn to move

2. only one player would be at a disadvantage if it were his turn to move

3. both players would be at a disadvantage if it were their turn to move.

The great majority of positions are of the first type. In chess literature, most writers call positions of the second type zugzwang, and the third type reciprocal zugzwang or mutual zugzwang.

Normally in chess, having tempo is desirable because the player who is to move has the advantage of being able to choose a move that improves his situation.

Zugzwang typically occurs when all the moves available are "bad" moves, tangibly weakening the moving player's position (usually from a draw to a loss or from a win to a draw)

Enough said! Let's look at examples now, shall we?

Our next example came from Polerio in 1585.

And now one from Morphy.

For another illustration,let us look at a game Fischer played with Mark Taimanov.

It is also hoped that this position will give some insight into why the bishop triumphs over the knight!

It is hoped that the above has given you some insight into zugzwang.

Quote:

"Zugzwang is like getting trapped on a safety island in the middle of a highway when a thunderstorm starts. You don't want to move but you have to." - Arthur Bisguier

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