zugzwang

/ˈtsʊɡzwɑŋ/

Definitions

1. noun

a situation in a game, especially chess, where a player is forced to make an undesirable move because all other possible moves are disadvantageous.

“The chess player was in zugzwang, with no good options for his next move.”

Synonyms

  • checkmate
  • impasse

Antonyms

  • advantage
  • opportunity