Intermediate move - chess tactic (Zwischenzug)
Intermediate move
Definition
An intermediate move – better known by its German name Zwischenzug (literally “in-between move”) or the Italian Intermezzo – is a surprising, usually forcing move that is played before an expected recapture, check, or other routine reply. Instead of following the apparent flow of the position, the side on move inserts a tactical resource that changes the evaluation of the resulting position to their advantage.
Typical Forms
- Check: Forcing the opponent to parry an attack on the king.
- Capture: Taking another piece first, often with tempo.
- Threat creation: Introducing a stronger threat (mate, fork, promotion) that must be addressed immediately.
- Deflection / Decoy: Luring a key defender away so the previously “obvious” continuation now wins material.
Why It Works
The power of the intermediate move lies in the forcing nature of chess tactics: if a reply must be made, the opponent loses the luxury of choosing the best line and may be driven into an unfavorable position. Strong players habitually scan for checks, captures, and threats on every move, precisely to avoid missing such resources.
Strategic & Historical Significance
- The zwischenzug is a hallmark of tactical alertness. Many famous brilliancies feature a decisive intermediate move.
- Historically, the term became popular in English literature after Emanuel Lasker and Siegbert Tarrasch used it in annotated games at the turn of the 20th century.
- Modern engines find zwischenzugs routinely, but in human play they still separate masters from amateurs.
Classic Examples
1. Lasker – Bauer, Amsterdam 1889
After 6. … Qxh4+! Black checks before recapturing the knight on h4. 7. g3? Qxg3+ 8. hxg3 Bxg3# showcases how the zwischenzug turned defense into a mating attack.
2. Capablanca – Tartakower, New York 1924
In the line 7. cxd5 exd5 8. e4! (intermediate pawn thrust) White first attacks the knight on f5 and the d5-pawn before recapturing on e4, seizing the initiative and eventually the game.
3. A Training Diagram (simplified)
White to move: ♔ g1 ♕ d1 ♖ a1,f1 ♗ c4,f4 ♘ c3 ♙ a2,b2,c2,d2,e4,f2,g2,h2 ♚ g8 ♛ d8 ♜ a8,f8 ♝ c5,f8 ♞ c6 ♟ a7,b7,c7,d7,e5,f7,g7,h7 Obvious line: 1.Bxe5 Nxe5 2.d4 (mundane). Zwischenzug: 1.Bxf7+! Rxf7 2.Bxe5 and White wins a pawn with check first.
Practical Tips
- Whenever you are about to recapture, pause and ask: “Do I have something better – a check, capture, or threat that changes the position first?”
- When analyzing, look one tempo deeper: the move order often matters more than the moves themselves.
- If your opponent surprises you with a zwischenzug, stay calm. Re-evaluate the position objectively; sometimes the tactic is only intermediate – there may be a counter-zwischenzug!
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Grandmaster Bent Larsen once quipped, “If you see a good move, look for a better intermediate move.”
- The word Zwischenzug has migrated intact into many languages, much like zeitnot for time trouble.
- Engine databases reveal that zwischenzugs occur in roughly 1 out of every 10 decisive tactical sequences at master level.
Mini-Quiz
Try to spot the zwischenzug in the following miniature (White to move):
Solution: 7…… hxg4 seems natural, but White inserts 8. Nxe5! first, attacking c6 and g4 simultaneously. Only after the tactical dust settles does White recapture on g4 with a clear advantage.
Summary
The intermediate move is a cornerstone of tactical play. By breaking the expected sequence of captures or replies, you can win material, escape danger, or launch an attack. Train yourself to search for zwischenzugs on every move, and many hidden resources will start to appear on your board.