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Endgame

Zugzwang

German for 'compulsion to move'

A position where every legal move worsens your position — but passing is not allowed, so you must move.

In most of chess having the move is an advantage. In zugzwang it is a liability: you would love to pass, but the rules force you to make a move that damages your own position.

It is most common and most decisive in the endgame, where a single tempo can lose the opposition, a pawn, or the game.

Why it matters

Many endgames are won not by a threat but by handing the opponent the move when every move loses.

The mistake everyone makes

Failing to keep a spare pawn 'tempo' move in reserve, and putting yourself in zugzwang instead of the opponent.

Related terms

Opposition
Kings facing each other with one square between them; the side NOT to move usually holds the advantage.
King activity
In the endgame the king becomes a strong piece and should march toward the action.
Prophylaxis
Preventing the opponent's ideas before pursuing your own.

See Zugzwang in your own games

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