zugzwang
/ˈzuːɡzwɑːŋ/
noun
- A situation in chess where a player is forced to make a move that puts them at a disadvantage, because any move they can make will worsen their position.
- In the endgame, the grandmaster fell into a zugzwang and had to move his king into a losing square.
- She studied zugzwang positions to improve her chess tactics.
- The player realized he was in zugzwang: every possible move would cost him a piece.
- A situation in any competitive or strategic context where a person is forced to act, and any action they take will make their situation worse.
- In the negotiations, he found himself in zugzwang, forced to accept a deal that hurt his interests.
- The politician faced a zugzwang: either admit a mistake or face a scandal.
- The company was in a zugzwang: cutting costs would anger employees, but not cutting them would lead to bankruptcy.
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