Tactical Motif X: ZwischenZug (In-Between Move)

A Zwischenzug ( From the german move signifying intermediary move ; fr: coup intermediaire) is the motif where you can insert a move ( often a check but not necessarily so) in between a sequence to alter the course of action.


Illustration: Analysis position from (Fischer-Taimanov 1971 (6))

White to play
Here 1.Rc1 would lead to 1..Rc8 and Black is ok. Instead, White would win by playing 1Re2+!, a intermediary check moving away the Black king from the c-pawn.
Now on 1..Kf5 2.Nd6+! wins with 3 c8=Q.

The continuation would be 1 Re2+ Kf6 2 Rc2 Rc8 3 Nd6! wins because taking on c7 leads to 4 Ne8+, forking the Rook on c7 and the king on f6.

The Zwischenzug is a very sharp weapon.






Exercise:
Kramnik-Topalov 2006 ( The actual move leading to the world championship crown for Kramnik!).

Black just played ..Rxc5 expecting 1Rc5 Kb6 regaining the Rook. This is a major blunder by Topalov in the rapid game deciding the worldchampionship match.

Kramnik-Topalov, 2006

1. White to play and win (the world title!)