In short: A forcing move, often a check, played before the expected move, for example before recapturing.
Also called in-between move or intermezzo.
A zwischenzug, or in-between move, is a move played before the move everyone is expecting. The typical case is a series of captures: your opponent takes one of your pieces, and the obvious thing is to take back. But if you can first give check, capture something or make a threat your opponent has to answer, your recapture is still there waiting. In the meantime you have won something.
What makes the zwischenzug possible is that the move is forcing. Your opponent has no time to save their piece, because something else is more urgent.
Find the zwischenzug
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How to find them
Before you make the obvious move, ask one question: do I have a check, a capture or a threat my opponent has to answer first? And remember that your opponent can ask the same question. Many beautiful combinations fail because of a zwischenzug someone missed.
The zwischenzug is one of the most common tactical tricks. You will find more under chess tactics, and you can practice them with our in-between move puzzles.
Frequently asked questions
What does zwischenzug mean?
It is German for “in-between move,” and English-speaking players use the German word too. You may also hear the Italian intermezzo.
How do you find a zwischenzug?
Before you make the obvious move, ask yourself: do I have a check, a capture or a threat my opponent has to answer first? And don't forget that your opponent can ask the same question.
Updated October 31, 2026
The starting position. Press ▶ or use the arrow keys.