ChessRanger
Tactics

Intermezzo

also 'zwischenzug', an in-between move

An unexpected in-between move — often a check — inserted before an expected recapture.

When you expect an automatic recapture, an intermezzo throws in a more forcing move first — usually a check or a bigger threat — changing the outcome before returning to the 'obvious' move.

It is the same idea as the German zwischenzug: don't recapture on autopilot; look for a stronger in-between move.

Why it matters

Half of tactical oversights are missed intermezzos on one side or the other — the recapture that 'had to' happen didn't have to happen yet.

The mistake everyone makes

Recapturing immediately when a zwischenzug check would have won a tempo or a piece first.

Related terms

Zwischenzug
An unexpected in-between move played before the 'obvious' recapture.
Desperado
A piece that is doomed anyway, so it grabs material or makes trouble before it falls.
Tactic
A short, forcing sequence of moves that wins material or delivers mate.

See Intermezzo in your own games

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