What is a zugzwang?

This article uses algebraic notation to describe chess moves. The word comes from German Zug ‘move’ + Zwang ‘compulsion’, so that Zugzwang means ‘being forced to make a move’. Originally the term was used interchangeably with the term zugpflicht ‘obligation to make a move’ as a general game rule.

Is white in Zugzwang Lite?

According to Rowson, White is in Zugzwang Lite . Jonathan Rowson coined the term Zugzwang Lite to describe a situation, sometimes arising in symmetrical opening variations, where White’s “extra move” is a burden. He cites as an example of this phenomenon in Hodgson versus Arkell at Newcastle 2001.

Why is my zugzwang so bad?

This occurs due to the nature of the game of chess (you cannot pass your turn) and the fact that you may find yourself in a position where the only legal moves you have are all very bad. There are certain concepts to understand that will improve your ability to use Zugzwang to your advantage, including opposition, triangulation, and trébuchets.

Who put the Black in zugzwang?

In this 1959 game between future World Champion Bobby Fischer and Héctor Rossetto, 33.Bb3! puts Black in zugzwang.

What is zugzwang According to Joseph Bertin?

Joseph Bertin refers to zugzwang in The Noble Game of Chess (1735), wherein he documents 19 rules about chess play. His 18th rule is: “To play well the latter end of a game, you must calculate who has the move, on which the game always depends.”.

How important is zugzwang in chess endgames?

Positions with zugzwang occur fairly often in chess endgames, especially in king and pawn endgames. According to John Nunn, positions of reciprocal zugzwang are surprisingly important in the analysis of endgames.

What is mutual zugzwang in game theory?

A position of mutual zugzwang is closely related to a game with a Conway value of zero in game theory. In a position with reciprocal zugzwang, only the player to move is actually in zugzwang. However, the player who is not in zugzwang must play carefully because one inaccurate move can cause him to be put in zugzwang.