Open in the app

Chess960 puzzles: Zugzwang

Any move worsens the position — force the opponent to move.

Zugzwang is a position where every move the opponent makes hurts him: passing is not allowed, and all his options make things worse. Look for it when his pieces are tied to defensive duties — ask yourself what he could answer to a quiet move of yours. If every reply drops something, you have found the zugzwang. Remember: the winning move here is not a check or a capture but a calm waiting move.

2 puzzles

Endgame