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Zwischenzug

A zwischenzug is an intermediate move. Instead of the expected reply, you play a stronger move first, then carry out the original plan.

A check before a capture

The pawn on b5 attacks the bishop on c4. Instead of moving the bishop, White plays Qh5 and gives check. The king moves to f8, and the bishop captures the pawn on b5.

FEN: 4k3/8/8/1p6/2B5/8/8/3Q2K1 w - - 0 1

a b c d e f g h
8 . . . . k . . . 8
7 . . . . . . . . 7
6 . . . . . . . . 6
5 . p . . . . . . 5
4 . . B . . . . . 4
3 . . . . . . . . 3
2 . . . . . . . . 2
1 . . . Q . . K . 1
  a b c d e f g h

A check before a bishop capture

The pawn on g5 attacks the bishop on f4. Instead of moving the bishop, White plays Qh5 and gives check. The king moves to f8, and the bishop captures the pawn on g5.

FEN: 4k3/8/8/6p1/5B2/8/8/3Q2K1 w - - 0 1

a b c d e f g h
8 . . . . k . . . 8
7 . . . . . . . . 7
6 . . . . . . . . 6
5 . . . . . . p . 5
4 . . . . . B . . 4
3 . . . . . . . . 3
2 . . . . . . . . 2
1 . . . Q . . K . 1
  a b c d e f g h

Key points

  • A zwischenzug is German for an in-between move.
  • The expected move is often a recapture.
  • The intermediate move is often a check.
  • A check must be answered, so it gains time.
  • After the check, the original recapture still works.
  • A zwischenzug can also be a threat to a queen or rook.
  • Look for a check or threat before you recapture.

Try it Yourself

Edit the code, then press Run.

Running is simulated · Rust Playground

Exercise

White to move. Which intermediate move comes before the bishop captures the pawn on b5?