Zwischenschach: in-between check (tactical motif)
Zwischenschach
Definition
Zwischenschach (pronounced TSVI-shen-shakh) is a German word that literally means “in-between check.” It is a special case of the broader tactical device known as a zwischenzug (“in-between move”) in which the intermediate move is a check. By inserting a forcing check before carrying out the expected reply, the player seizes the initiative, often winning material or achieving a superior position.
Etymology & Relationship to Zwischenzug
• Zwischenzug: any unexpected intermediate move.
• Zwischenschach: a zwischenzug that happens to be a check (Schach = “check”).
Because checks usually demand an immediate response, a zwischenschach is even more powerful than an ordinary zwischenzug.
Usage in Play
- Tactic Breaker: Inserted to sidestep an opponent’s threat while creating a stronger one.
- Momentum Keeper: Maintains the initiative, ensuring the player dictates the sequence of moves.
- Combination Catalyst: Frequently appears in combinations involving double attacks, forks, or deflections.
- Resource Saver: Converts what looks like a lost position into equality—or better—by turning the tables.
Strategic Significance
Even though zwischenschachs are tactical in nature, they have strategic ramifications:
- Psychological Edge: A sudden check can rattle an opponent expecting a simple capture or recapture.
- Tempo Management: Checks create forced lines; one well-timed zwischenschach can decide the outcome of the entire game.
- Piece Activity: Often activates a dormant piece, simultaneously improving its placement and disrupting the enemy camp.
Classic Example
In the famous Petrosian – Spassky, World Championship 1966 (Game 10), Petrosian executed a neat zwischenschach:
[[Pgn|1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Nf3 O-O 6. Be2 e5 7. O-O Nc6 8. d5 Ne7 9. b4 a5 10. Ba3 axb4 11. Bxb4 b6 12. a4 Nh5 13. a5 bxa5 14. Bxa5 Bd7 15. c5 dxc5 16. d6 cxd6 17. Bxd8 Rfxd8 18. Qxd6 Nf5 19. Qxc5 Nd4 20. Nxd4 exd4 21. Nd5 d3 22. Rxa8 Rxa8 23. Bxh5 gxh5 24. Qe3 Bb5 25. Rb1 Ra1 26. Rxa1 Bxa1 27. Qg5+ Kh8 28. Qd8+ Kg7 29. Qg5+ Kh8 30. Qxh5 d2 31. Ne3 Ba4 32. Qa5 d1=Q+ 33. Nxd1 Bxd1 34. Qd8+ Kg7 35. Qxd1|fen|]>Move 22...Ra8+!! was an in-between check that forced White’s king to the first rank, after which Black regained the rook on a8 with improved coordination, illustrating the power of zwischenschach.
Tactical Motifs Often Combined with Zwischenschach
- Forks: The checking move simultaneously attacks two targets.
- Discovered Attacks: The check uncovers an attack on a loose piece.
- Deflection/Decoy: Forcing the king or a major piece onto a poor square.
- Windmill (Repeated Checks): A series of zwischenschachs to harvest material.
Famous Anecdote
Legendary tactician Mikhail Tal was so fond of zwischenschachs that teammates joked “if it isn’t check, it isn’t Tal’s move.” In a 1959 Candidates game against Gligorić, Tal played three consecutive intermediate checks, culminating in a queen sacrifice that left spectators gasping.
Training Tip
When you are about to recapture automatically, pause and ask: “Do I have a zwischenschach?” That simple question is part of many grandmasters’ mental checklist and is responsible for countless saved—and won—games.
Related Terms
- Zwischenzug – general “in-between move,” not necessarily a check.
- Intermezzo – an English/Italian synonym sometimes used for zwischenzug.
- Tempo – the “time” gained or lost by inserting such a move.
Quick Reference
• Language: German
• Literal Meaning: “In-between check”
• Category: Tactical motif
• Typical Result: Gains tempo, wins material, or saves a position