Zugzwang Endgame Challenge 5cd48aaa
← PuzzlesWhite to move, find the shortest combination of moves. Let black make their position worse (Zugzwang).
Moves
0
Time
0:00.0
8765
4321
abcd
efgh
White to move. Click a piece to select it.
♔ Your piece
♚ Opponent
Selected
Valid move
Move Log
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About This Puzzle
In this endgame position, White has a king on c6 and a rook on f2. Black has a king on a7 and a pawn on b6. White to move — find the shortest forced win.
What Is Zugzwang?
Zugzwang (German: "compulsion to move") is a situation in chess where a player is put at a disadvantage solely because they must make a move. Both sides would prefer to "pass," but since passing is not allowed in chess, the player to move is forced into a weakening move. In this endgame, the goal is to maneuver your pieces so that any move Black makes worsens their position.
Tips
- Think about what Black wants to do — then take those options away.
- The rook controls entire ranks and files. Use it to cut off the black king.
- Avoid stalemate: always leave Black at least one legal move before delivering the final blow.
- Fewer moves is better — plan the full sequence before you start.