Zwischenzug (Intermezzo)
A zwischenzug is an intermediate move that interrupts an expected sequence with a stronger idea.
The Art of the "In-Between" Move
Zwischenzug (German for "Intermediate Move") occurs when you delay an expected move—usually a recapture—to play a more forcing move first. This "in-between" move often changes the result of the game from a draw to a win, or a loss to a save.
1. The Modern Masterclass
The Setup
Black (Ponomariov) just played ...Qxg5, capturing White's Queen.
99% of players would instantly play hxg5 to recapture. But Vishy Anand saw something deeper.
The Zwischenzug
34. Rf7+!
Anand inserts an Intermediate Check. Black must respond to the check. This forces the Black King to a worse square. Only after the King moves does Anand recapture the Queen, winning a crushing endgame.
Anand vs. Ponomariov, 20052. Historical Masterpieces
The concept isn't new. The greatest legends of chess history—Morphy, Capablanca, and the romantics—used the Zwischenzug to devastating effect.
The "Counter-Attack" (Morphy)
Most players would recapture with ...dxe4. Morphy played the stunning 10... Qh4!
Instead of taking the Bishop, he threatens Mate on f2! If White defends the mate, Morphy can recapture the Bishop later—or simply crush White's King.
The "Trap" (Capablanca)
White thought he won a piece because if Black recaptures (...Rxb8), White has a fork.
But Capablanca played the Zwischenzug 9... Nd5!, ignoring the Bishop and threatening a fork of his own on e3. White's trap backfired completely.
The "Zwischenschach"
Instead of recapturing immediately (...Qxb4), Black inserts the deadly check 16... Rc1+!.
White must move the King, losing the right to castle and getting his King stuck in the center before Black finally recaptures the piece.
Why Learn Zwischenzug?
- ⚡ Gain Tempo: Force your opponent to waste time responding to threats while you improve your position.
- 🎯 Disrupt Coordination: An intermediate check can force the King to a square where it blocks its own defenders.
- ♟️ Win Material: Often used as a "Desperado" tactic—if your piece is trapped, use it to capture something else (or give check) before it dies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Zwischenzug?
Zwischenzug (German for "intermediate move") is a tactic where, instead of playing the expected move (usually a recapture), a player first makes a forcing move (like a check or mate threat) that the opponent must answer.
What is a Zwischenschach?
It is a specific type of Zwischenzug where the intermediate move is a check. This is often the most powerful type because the opponent has no choice but to respond to the check immediately.
Who invented the term?
The concept is as old as chess, but the term was popularized in chess literature by Fred Reinfeld and Irving Chernev in 1933.