In-between move (Zwischenzug) – chess tactic

In-between move (Zwischenzug, Intermezzo)

Definition

An in-between move—also called a zwischenzug (German for “intermediate move”) or intermezzo—is a tactical resource where a player inserts a forcing move (often a check, threat, or capture) in the middle of a seemingly forced sequence before executing the “obvious” recapture or reply. The goal is to change the position’s terms—gaining tempo, deflecting a defender, improving piece placement, or creating a mating or material threat—so that the original line becomes favorable.

How it is used in chess

In practical play, the in-between move is both a calculation tool and a tactic:

• Interrupts routine recaptures to insert a more urgent, forcing move.
• Creates checks, double attacks, deflections, or decoys that swing the evaluation.
• Appears in openings, middlegames, and endgames.
• Works offensively (to win material or attack) and defensively (to escape a tactic or force simplification on your terms).

Strategic and historical significance

The zwischenzug epitomizes precise calculation and tactical alertness. It reminds us that sequences are rarely “forced” if a forcing resource exists. The term Zwischenzug has long been standard in chess literature, and elite play—both classical and engine-assisted—abounds with instructive intermezzos that deflect defenders, seize initiative, or improve king safety.

Pattern recognition: common triggers

• Before recapturing, you spot a check that worsens the enemy king’s placement.
• An overloaded defender can be attacked with tempo, forcing concessions.
• Counterattacks on the queen or a loose piece gain tempo before the “expected” move.
• Endgame races where an intermediate check decides a pawn promotion or king placement.

Example: check first, then recapture

In the Italian Game, Black can insert a zwischenzug check before regaining material:

Explanation: After 4. Nxe5, instead of instantly recapturing on e5, Black plays ...Bxf2+! first. Only after 5. Kxf2 does Black continue ...Nxe5, regaining the piece with an exposed enemy king and improved prospects. That inserted check changes the evaluation of the whole sequence—classic in-between move logic.

Famous appearances

Top-level games often hinge on a timely intermezzo. For instance, Garry Kasparov’s attacking masterpiece against Veselin Topalov (Wijk aan Zee, 1999) featured multiple zwischenzugs that kept the initiative alive at each turn—an instructive showcase of forcing-move awareness.

Practical calculation tips

• Before any recapture, ask: “Do I have a check, threat, or capture first?”
• Include your opponent’s forcing moves in your calculation tree—don’t assume they follow your script.
• Checks that relocate the enemy king often improve your follow-up tactics.
• Against pins or skewers, a zwischenzug check can unpin by counterattacking with tempo.

Common pitfalls

• Not every check is good: a sloppy intermezzo can help the opponent coordinate.
• Miscalculation risk: if the inserted move fails, your original recapture may be worse or lost.
• Time trouble: in blitz or bullet, players frequently miss both offensive and defensive zwischenzugs.

Additional illustrative motifs (no board)

• Queen trade twist: After Qxd8+ Rxd8, inserting Rd1+! forces a king displacement before completing recaptures.
• Deflection: Attack a sole defender as an intermezzo, turning an even exchange into a material win.
• Endgame finesse: An intermediate rook check can force the king to a bad file, deciding a pawn race or enabling a Lucena build.

Interesting facts

• Zwischenzug is German for “intermediate move”; Intermezzo comes from music/theater, meaning an inserted piece—perfectly matching the tactic’s role.
• Engines excel at spotting intermezzos because they prioritize forcing moves; training this habit is an efficient human heuristic.

Related and contrasting concepts

• Synonyms: Zwischenzug, Intermezzo.
• Often combined with: Fork, Pin, Skewer, Decoy, Deflection, Overload, Discovered attack, Double check.
• Contrasts with: Waiting move and some forms of Prophylaxis.

Usage in study and training

To internalize in-between moves, solve tactics that interrupt expected recaptures, annotate your games for missed intermezzos, and adopt the habit: “Before I recapture, scan for checks, threats, and captures.” With repetition, you’ll develop a feel for when a zwischenzug can flip the evaluation.