Zugzwang puzzles
84 free zugzwang puzzles from real games, rated 941 to 2386. Solve them on the board below; your accuracy feeds your weakness map.
What is a zugzwang?
Zugzwang is a position where any move the opponent makes worsens their position. You don't need to attack; you need to make a waiting move and let them self-destruct.
It's most common in king-and-pawn endgames, but appears in middlegames when every piece is tied to defence.
Common mistake
Rushing with a forcing move that releases the bind.
How to spot it
If the opponent had to 'pass', would they be fine? Then look for a waiting move.
Triangulation (losing a tempo with the king) is a classic way to hand over the move.
Count what every enemy piece is guarding. If all are tied down, any move breaks something.
Related themes
- Attraction (decoy)Drag a piece onto a fatal square.
- ClearanceClear a square or line for another piece.
- InterferenceCut the line between two enemy pieces.
- X-ray attackAttack or defend through another piece.
- Quiet moveNo check, no capture, and still winning.
Let the adaptive drill find your weakest pattern
Puzzles: Lichess puzzle database (CC0), filtered for popularity and play count. See how Weakspot works.