Zugzwang
Zugzwang
Zugzwang
White's move. In the first look, we can see that both the Kings are sitting
comfortably controlling the Pawn remaining on the board. In addition, Black
got an extra Pawn in his custody. But unfortunately, this extra Pawn spoiled
the game for Black. Can you find a winning move for white?
White plays 1.f5! Towards the lion’s den. Now it’s Black’s turn to move and
and if Black takes the Pawn at f5, the h-pawn rushes to the Queening square.
Black is in a pretty tight position. We call it “Black is in zugzwang”, as any
move will worsen his position. In Chess it is now allowed to pass on the move.
Each player should make moves turn by turn. Therefore, Black either has to
capture the f-pawn or move his King and the White h-pawn moves ahead and
becomes a Queen.
White wins using the technique of zugzwang.
Most often zugzwang is found in the endgame, especially in pawn
endings. For instance: