December 5, 2007

In-Between Move (Zwischenzug)

Wiki of Chess Tactic defines an in-between move or Zwischenzug as “one that is made unexpectedly in the midst of a sequence of moves. But not just any series of moves, one in which the player falling for the Zwischenzug feels the sequence is forced, while his opponent demonstrates to him that it certainly isn’t! Most commonly these fall in between trades where a recapture seems to be the only proper means of play.”

If you happens to have a glance at Patrick Wolff’s “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Chess” (yeah, i still read it once in a while because it is good!), you will find that this kind of tactics has been put under what he called “Dirtier Trick”!! Why? Because it is often for even a strong GM to overlook In-Between move.

Let’s look several examples:

        

This is a very famous example because it’s the easiest way to show what In-Between move means. Black has big advantage. So he thinks of simplifying by exchanging rook, 1. … Rxh4? and expects white to take back Qxh4.

Unfortunately white has a better move: 2. Qd8+! An In-between move! So, after 2. … Kh7 3. Qxh4+, white forks King and rook and wins material.

Now, go to the second example:

        

This position is from Sergei Tiviakov - Daniel Stellwagen, Dutch Championship 2006. Black moves 1. … Bxc4. How to punish?

2. Bxc4 Kc7 3. Bxe6 Nd6 4. Bd7 retains a slight advantage. But, if you do not forget to think that the capture isn’t forced, then you will sure find the better move: 2. Bb6+! and black resigned!

Having seen two examples, now i bet u have become familiar with the idea. So, the third example will be easier to see:

        

            White to move

This is a position from Wolfgang Unziker - Mikhail Tal, Milan 1975. Rook at a8 is hanging and it is being attacked by white bishop at c6. White cannot take it straightaway since his Queen at g6 is hanging. So, common way is not to waste tempo, so 1. Rxf7+ Qxf7 2. Qxf7+ Kxf7 3. Bxa8 might be a good option.

But Unzicker thought differently. After 1. Rxf7 Qxf7, he didn’t take the Queen but do an Intermediate move: 2. Qxh6 threatening Bxg5 with deadly attack!

So, next time when we do our calculation, do not think that everything is forced. See if we can include In-Between move to surprise our opponent, or to avoid being surprised! ;)


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