| Zugzwang |
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The term is frequently used in , being in zugzwang usually means going from a Drawn position to a loss or a won position to a draw, but it can be from a win to a loss, or a substantial loss of material which probably affects the outcome of the game. A chess position of ''reciprocal zugzwang'' or ''mutual zugzwang'' is equivalent to the more precise definition in game theory. ZUGZWANG IN CHESS
Normally in chess, having Tempo is a good thing, since the player with the chance to move has greater power by being able to choose the "best" next move. Zugzwang typically occurs when all the moves available are "bad" moves, dramatically weakening his position (Müller and Lamprecht 2001:22). Zugzwang most often occurs in the Endgame when the number of pieces, and so the number of possible moves, is reduced, and the exact move chosen is often more critical. The first diagram gives a simple example. If it is Black's move, he gets to a lost position. If it is White's move, he is not in zugzwang, but he can use Triangulation (king maneuvers on three adjacent squares in the shape of a triangle while the opposing king only has two squares) to return to the same position with Black to move. This puts Black in zugzwang. Zugzwang is extremely common in king and pawn endgames, where it is frequently achieved through triangulation. Reciprocal zugzwang
A special case of zugzwang is ''mutual zugzwang'' or ''reciprocal zugzwang'', which is a position such that who ever is to move is in zugzwang. An example is shown in the second diagram — if White is to move the game is drawn; if Black is to move he loses (Flear 2004:22). According to John Nunn (Nunn 1999:7), positions of reciprocal zugzwang are surprisingly important in the analysis of endgames. Trébuchet
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