Zugzwang: a practical example
A king defending a pawn may be holding all key squares until forced to step away. If passing were allowed, the position might remain secure, but chess requires a legal move when one exists.
How to use the idea in your games
Look for waiting moves and move-order tricks in simplified positions. Verify that every legal alternative is unfavorable before calling a position zugzwang.
A useful study question
Can you explain zugzwang in your own words, identify it in a position, and describe when the idea does not apply? Test the explanation on a legal board before relying on it.
Connect the ideas
Opposition, Triangulation, Endgame are useful next concepts. Follow the links to compare definitions and examples, then return to the complete chess glossary whenever an unfamiliar term appears.
Sources & further reading
References checked September 5, 2026. Linked services are independent of ChessRankings.com™.