Zugzwang - Zugzwang Helps The Defense

Zugzwang Helps The Defense

Based on Varga vs. Acs

	a	b	c	d	e	f	g	h
8									8
7									7
6									6
5									5
4									4
3									3
2									2
1									1
	a	b	c	d	e	f	g	h

Black to move puts White in zugzwang

Zugzwang usually works in favor of the stronger side, but sometimes it aids the defense. In this position based on a game between Zoltán Varga and Peter Acs, it saves the game for the defense:

1... Kc4!! Reciprocal zugzwang

2. Nc3 Kb4 Reciprocal zugzwang again

3. Kd3 Bg7 Reciprocal zugzwang again

4. Kc2 Bh6

5. Kd3 Bg7

6. Nd5+ Kxa4

7. Ke4 Kb5

8. Kf5 Kc5

9. Kg6 Bd4

10. Nf4 Kd6

11. h6 Ke7

12. h7 Bb2

This position is a draw and the players agreed to a draw a few moves later (Müller & Pajeken 2008:179–80).

Benko

	a	b	c	d	e	f	g	h
8									8
7									7
6									6
5									5
4									4
3									3
2									2
1									1
	a	b	c	d	e	f	g	h

1. Kc6! wins, 1. Kd6? draws Benko

	a	b	c	d	e	f	g	h
8									8
7									7
6									6
5									5
4									4
3									3
2									2
1									1
	a	b	c	d	e	f	g	h

Position after 3... Bb7!, draw because of zugzwang

In this position from Benko, White should win but he makes an error and gets into zugzwang which enables Black to draw.

1. Kd6? Bb7

2. Bd7 Bf3

3. Be6 Bb7!

and Black draws because White is in Zugzwang (Fine & Benko 2003:153–54).