In-between moves (zwischenzug)
In short
An in-between move is a forcing move played instead of the “obvious” recapture or reply. A check, a capture or a stronger threat inserted first can change the whole outcome of an exchange.
By the end you can
- Look for in-between moves before recapturing
- Defend against opponent zwischenzugs
The lesson
An in-between move is a forcing move played instead of the “obvious” recapture or reply. A check, a capture or a stronger threat inserted first can change the whole outcome of an exchange.
Before automatically recapturing, ask whether you have a check or a bigger threat. When calculating exchanges, also check the opponent’s in-between moves.
Key points to remember
- Before recapturing, look for checks and threats
- Insert forcing moves to improve an exchange
- Calculate the opponent’s zwischenzugs too
Examples
Show the solution
12. Rxd7 Kxd7 13. Nxf6+ Ke7 14. Nxg4
Show the solution
30... Qf1+ 31. Rxf1 Rxf1#
Practise it
Solve puzzles on this idea: intermezzo (zwischenzug) puzzles, X-ray attack puzzles.
Homework
20 intermezzo puzzles.
More tactics lessons
- Hanging pieces: take them and don’t leave them (Novice)
- Double attacks and forks (Novice)
- Pins: pieces that cannot move (Novice)
- Forks with every piece (Class F)
- Using and breaking pins (Class F)
- Skewers and x-rays (Class F)