Zugzwang

Pronunciation: /ˈzuːɡˌzwaŋ/

Definitions of zugzwang

noun a situation in which a player is limited to moves that cost them the game or put them at a disadvantage

Example Sentences

A1 I was in zugzwang during the chess game because I had no good moves left.

A2 The player found themselves in zugzwang, unable to make a move without putting themselves in a worse position.

B1 In chess, zugzwang is a situation where any move a player makes will worsen their position.

B2 The grandmaster put his opponent in zugzwang, forcing them to make a move that ultimately led to their defeat.

C1 Experiencing zugzwang in a chess match requires strategic thinking and the ability to anticipate your opponent's moves.

C2 The chess prodigy skillfully maneuvered his opponent into zugzwang, showcasing his mastery of the game.

Examples of zugzwang in a Sentence

formal In chess, zugzwang is a situation in which a player is forced to make a disadvantageous move because all other moves are even worse.

informal I hate when I'm in zugzwang during a chess game; it feels like I have no good moves left.

slang Being in zugzwang in chess is like being stuck between a rock and a hard place.

figurative Sometimes in life, we can feel like we're in zugzwang, where every decision seems to lead to a negative outcome.

Grammatical Forms of zugzwang

• past tense: zugzwanged
• plural: zugzwangs
• comparative: more zugzwang
• superlative: most zugzwang
• present tense: zugzwangs
• future tense: will zugzwang
• perfect tense: has zugzwanged
• continuous tense: is zugzwanging
• singular: zugzwang
• positive degree: zugzwang
• infinitive: to zugzwang
• gerund: zugzwanging
• participle: zugzwanged

Origin and Evolution of zugzwang

First Known Use: 1858 year

Language of Origin: German

Story behind the word: The word 'zugzwang' originated in German chess jargon.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in chess to describe a situation where any move a player makes will put them at a disadvantage, 'zugzwang' has since been adopted in various fields to describe a similar predicament where any action taken will result in a negative outcome.