Donut (chess slang)

Donut (chess slang)

Definition

In chess slang, “Donut” is used in two informal ways:

• Scoreboard slang: a “donut” means scoring 0 points (a goose egg) over a span of games, a round, or a match. Example: “I got a donut in that blitz mini-match, 0–2.”
• Structural slang: a “donut” can also describe a ring-like pawn formation that leaves a conspicuous empty square (a “hole”) in the middle—often a prime Outpost for an enemy piece. Example: “Black’s knight sits in the donut on d4.”

Neither usage is formal chess terminology, but both are common in casual or online settings, especially in Blitz and Bullet chess.

Usage in chess and online play

Players and streamers use “donut” jokingly or self-deprecatingly. It’s part of the light, meme-friendly vocabulary that flourishes in chats, skittles rooms, and commentary. Typical phrases include:

• “We got a donut in the tiebreak” (a team or player scored 0).
• “Careful—those pawn pushes leave a donut on d4” (a central Hole or Weak square that can be occupied).

As with most slang, tone matters. It’s fine among friends or in a playful stream, but avoid using it to taunt opponents.

Strategic significance (the “donut hole” as a weak square)

When “donut” refers to structure, it’s shorthand for a ring of pawns that can’t control a central square, creating a lasting target. This square is often ideal for an enemy knight or bishop and is closely related to the classic concepts of a Hole and an Outpost.

• How it forms: Advancing flank or center pawns (like f-pawns and c-pawns) without support can leave an uncontestable square—e.g., a hole on d4 if White has pawns on c3/c4/e3/e4/f3/f4.
• Why it’s strong: An outposted piece on the hole can’t be chased away by a pawn, consolidates space, and coordinates attacks on nearby files and diagonals.
• How to fight it: Use a timely Pawn break or Central break to challenge the base of the pawn ring, trade off the outposted piece, or avoid creating the hole in the first place with better Pawn structure discipline.

Example position: a central “donut” on d4

In this illustrative setup, White’s pawn ring c3–c4–e3–e4–f3–f4 leaves d4 as a durable hole. Black has installed a knight on d4—an outpost that’s difficult to dislodge by pawns.

Try placing the position on a board and imagining plans for both sides—White wants to undermine Black’s d4-knight; Black wants to maintain the outpost and increase pressure.

Example usage: a “donut” in results

• Blitz arena: “Rough start—I pulled a donut in my first five games (0/5).”
• Match play: “We lost the opening rapid mini 0–2—that’s a donut, but there’s still classical to play.”

Historical and cultural notes

“Donut” as zero points mirrors broader sports slang (goose egg, bagel). It’s not used in formal reporting by arbiters or organizers, but you’ll hear it in post-mortems, chats, and casual recaps. For structure, “donut” is a colorful way to teach the long-standing classical idea of a weak square/outpost—popular with coaches who like memorable images.

Interesting facts and anecdotes

• Synonyms for the 0-score include “goose egg” and “bagel.” In some circles, “bagelled” = shut out.
• Don’t confuse a “donut” (0) with castling notation O-O. Those are capital letter O’s, not zeros.
• Streamers sometimes mark a 0-score streak with donut or bagel emotes—a lighthearted nod to the result in fast time controls.

Related terms

• Hole and Weak square: the structural idea behind a “donut hole.”
• Outpost: the ideal landing square for a knight or bishop in the “donut.”
• Pawn structure and Pawn break: planning tools to avoid or eliminate donuts.
• Blitz and Bullet chess: where the results “donut” slang is most common.
• Skittles: casual play where slang like “donut” often pops up.

Practical tips

• Scoreboard donut: Keep perspective. Use brief tilt-control (walk, deep breath) and reset for the next round.
• Structural donut: Before pushing pawns, ask “What squares will become weak, and can my opponent occupy them?” If in doubt, improve a piece first.