The Greatest Zugzwang in Chess History

In this video, I share one of the greatest chess games of all time between Friedrich Saemisch and Aron Nimzowitsch. The game was place in Copenhagen in March 1923.
My epic zugzwang game: • So many pieces, but no...
Analyze the game: lichess.org/study/vABL2mXK
Junta's tweet: juntaikeda/status...
Watch live: / imrosen
Merch: shop.imrosen.com/
SUPPORT MY WORK:
♙♙Subscribe on Twitch: / imrosen
♙♙Support: www.paypal.me/ericrosenchess
SPECIAL OFFERS!
♙♙ChessUp Smart Board: Use coupon code ROSEN to save 10% at checkout: bryghtlabs.com/?ref=Rosen
♙♙ Uproot Teas: Try out their amazing selection of whole leaf tea and get 10% off your entire order. Go to uprootteas.com/discount/ERIC10 and use the code ERIC10 at checkout.
SAVE MONEY AND IMPROVE YOUR GAME:
♙♙Chess.com Premium Membership--try it free for 7 days: go.chess.com/imrosen
♙♙Limitless Chess: Get video lessons from great instructors, including me! Use the code ROSEN to save 10% www.limitlesschess.com/
Sign up for my newsletter: mailchi.mp/d6e6ca1a42a1/imros...
Visit my Amazon store for chess books, tea and more: www.amazon.com/shop/ericrosen
Chess book recommendations: imrosen.com/book-recommendati...
Disclaimer: Some links in the description are affiliate links and I may receive a commission on purchases made through these links. Thank you for supporting my content!
Send Me Fan Mail:
Eric Rosen
4579 Laclede Ave. # 205
St. Louis, MO 63108
♙♙♙♙♙♙♙♙♙♙♙♙♙♙♙♙♙♙♙♙♙
MAIN CHANNEL: / rosenchess
ERIC ROSEN CLIPS: / ericrosenclips
ERIC ROSEN EXTRA: / ericrosenextra
TWITCH: / imrosen
WEBSITE: www.imrosen.com
DISCORD: bit.ly/2KTDlBK
TWITTER: bit.ly/2sFmNqa
INSTAGRAM: bit.ly/2HspaBa
LICHESS: lichess.org/@/ericrosen
CHESS.COM: www.chess.com/member/imrosen
♙♙♙♙♙♙♙♙♙♙♙♙♙♙♙♙♙♙♙♙♙
#chess #ericrosen

[@GaryTheGray]

Thanks for explaining the individual pieces and how they're all trapped. And yes, I'd love to see more content like this. 🍕

[@olopaxx]

I'd love to see more content like this, i love seeing these types of games

[@jonathanblack7597]

but theres the agadmator channel

[@FelixVanGucht]

There are some lessons online from Eric in the Saint Louis Chess Club if you haven't seen those

[@lorenzod.b.4779]

+1

[@kenhaley4]

@@jonathanblack7597 yes, agadmator does a great job as well.

[@shree.y]

+1

[@Potpan0]

I don't normally comment, but I'd definitely like to see more historical chess games. It's always nice to learn about chess history, especially with your analysis!

[@xoxoxoxoxoxo292]

Would be amazing if you covered some historical games Eric

[@josepherhardt164]

For anyone interested, the German "z" is prounced "ts." Think of the final consonant sound in the word "rats." While the German short "a" is not exactly a short English "u," Zugzwang (capitalized in German because it is an ordinary noun) is pronounced "tsoogtsvung." (The German "w" actually has a "v" sound; German "f" and "v" are pronounce as English "f." )

[@Ptaku93]

Yes, but due to phonetic assimilation, it's normal to pronounce borrowed words as English words (or vice versa with English borrowings into German)

[@dodekaedius]

​@@Ptaku93 sentences, starting with "yes, but..." are rarely good

[@31redorange08]

@@Ptaku93 Examples?

[@josepherhardt164]

@@Ptaku93 True. In German, the "j" sound is approximated by "dsch" and is never exactly the same. OTOH, how many French words and phrases in English would sound ridiculous if we didn't keep the French pronunciation? Hmmm. Need to get a tool at Home DePOT.

[@ArturoSubutex]

German short /a/ is just like RP English short /a/ in "sang" for instance. Even much closer to American English "sang" than to "sung".

[@maxprokopenko4692]

Thanks Eric! I spent 449 days in hospital recently and your videos and streams helped me keep calm and sane.

[@legion162]

It's crazy how games played years ago are still talked about

[@jordanb6025]

defiantly more videos like this, love hearing you commentate and analyze historical games so

[@davidanderson_surrey_bc]

Yes! By all means! Defiantly so!

[@DragonBank]

Very defiant.

[@weetabixharry]

Definitely defiant.

[@evreatic3438]

Eric, please make a series on famous chess games and positions! *_Légal Trap, Saavedra Position_* are good examples - I am sure you can think of many more.

[@steve_1005]

Yep, start with a history of Scholar's mate and finish with some brilliant modern game (possibly not yet played ;)

[@diptodeepmajumder9746]

​@@steve_1005 maybe AlphaZero vs Stockfish?

[@joetucker971]

"it was played march 9th 2023" Ummmm

[@ttkftykyfts]

definitely an oopsie there

[@PiquantPan]

Another vote for a series on “Chess Games to Know,” having a repertoire of iconic games to study and refer to and eventually memorize is a huge benefit to amateur players of all strengths

[@kevingrupa6197]

I first saw this game some 50 years ago. One thing I just noticed here: Black's queen does not participate in the final position at all. All the zugzwang captures are by the other pieces and 4 of the 7 pawns. Black is essentially playing with a full queen advantage.

[@FT029]

I've been playing for a long time and have never seen this game-- what a treat! fantastic job. I also really liked the coverage of nimzowitsch's plans in the opening/middlegame, it was very instructive.

[@weetabixharry]

My own stupidity puts me in a permanent state of zugzwang. Every move loses.

[@robdaniels5966]

Hopefully speaking for other KZbin viewers, would absolutely love if you made a “games you must know” series!!!

[@caseyvaughn4471]

I would like to see more content like this, yes please. Thanks for going through all of the moves, a lot of people would’ve called it trivial and moved. You have a knack for teaching!

[@PaulsGarageProjects]

You're an excellent teacher Eric, really appreciate this kind of content!

[@troycongdon]

Morgan Freeman is the narrator you want if you want to see a good movie. Eric Rosen is the narrator you want if you want to watch a good chess game. I enjoyed the coverage of a classic game, thanks for the content sir!

[@twig985]

That series sounds like such a cool idea, the way you walk through moves is so understandable would be super interesting to see!

[@chadricksch]

More important games like this would be awesome! I love seeing iconic games of the past and you explain them in such a concise and fun manner to watch :)

[@trentleach5325]

Definitely need more of these!

[@MrAdamhorn]

Would love more content like this!!!

[@ItsAsparageese]

Omg YES please definitely talk through more games! I'm pretty sure this is my very favorite type of content from chess creators. It's great to see people sharing their unique perspectives on historical games they're passionate about, and it really helps for memorizing the games too! Thanks for all your awesome content dude

[@screamingliner]

I would love more content like this! Thanks for this game review.

[@ahmedsayeed1330]

What a game! Have seen so many "immortal" games but never came accross this. A brilliancy without any flashy tactics. A series on "games every chess player should know" would be terrific coming from Eric.

[@ZmajevKralj]

Love this video and look forward to seeing more game analysis like this. You do a great job at it!

[@kenhaley4]

Yes. Want more. I really enjoy your style of analysis. And it's fun to see historically significant games like the.

[@djfmate]

Yes Eric. This is one of my favourite types of chess content. The analysis of historical classic games with detailed explanations such as you did here going through every single possible move to show why it was an absolute Zugzwang! What a positional masterpiece! 👍🙂👏

[@Davidaspe]

More of this Eric!!

[@TarrafTarraf]

great as always , of course more of this !!

[@EclecticInstinct]

Loved this. Thank you.

[@IsaacBenevides]

I would absolutly love to see more content like this. Please keep it up

[@solojohno1]

I also would love to see more of this type of content! Thanks, Eric!

[@nerkulec]

Very cool game Eric! Please show more of those :D

[@monty4852]

Great video Eric, keep em coming!

[@postaldelivery6867]

Please post more content like this! I loved this analysis!

[@katsu6624]

Nice video ! I would love to see more types of games !

[@johnchessant3012]

I like how you explained it, very great game!

[@supertron6039]

That position was mind boggling. Truly great content!

[@infinickel7423]

Great, I enjoyed the video! Would defo like to see more content like this. (Btw, thanks for covering why exactly this is zugzwang. Couldn't figure out why king move doesn't work.)

[@doctorc-ton1099]

Short and sweet. This is the way, and I dig seeing how you explore and explain games. Peace.

[@teilzeitamigo]

Yes, please show us more of these legendary games, I would really appreciate it! :) thank you

[@rodelmaglalang8968]

thanks for this very clear and concise analysis.. more of this please👍

[@phishhammer9733]

yes to series of videos you mentioned about games people should know. I would be interested in that. As always, love your stuff, thanks Eric

[@MechaShiva1986]

Thank you. I really enjoy videos about instructive famous games.

[@clintongryke6887]

A really good explanation; yes 'games we should know'. I look forward to that.

[@tomaspetruz7774]

Yess, please more of this kind of content. Very informative and educational :)!

[@TheDigiWorld]

Great game... Hadn't seen this one before. Also great explanation and would love to see more games like this

[@arkline9937]

thanks for the video, great game

[@joebrowse5338]

this video was the best chess video I've seen in a while, would love to see more of your top level analysis!:)

[@uwedegenhardt]

Nice! Carry on with this series! 👌

[@davidreid5599]

Great choice of game to analyse Eric. The idea for a series is a good one. Nigel short's "king walk" might be a suggestion, or perhaps Fischer-Petrosian 4 queens?

[@dblrgh]

Really enjoyed this video! Would watch more videos covering games like this, yes! :)

[@bhough410]

Definitely would enjoy you annotating more games!

[@RobFlaxMusic]

Yes, big thumbs up for more coverage of “games I should know by now”!

[@KyleSzklenski]

The classics are classics for a reason: they contain beautiful thinking, and I would really appreciate it if you were to cover more of them, especially ones that maybe not everyone knows. The main ones are great too - would be curious to see modern engine analysis on them, especially Karpov and Korchnoi games.

[@andersmai844]

content like this from you sounds absolutely perfect :)

[@yannperreault285]

nice video, you always were/are good at teaching

[@matinabdolahi2032]

Thank you very much.I'd love to see more content like this🙂

[@LeeEvans007]

Yes please, your analysis is great. Keep up the good work 👍👍

[@bernardducharme4085]

That's nice! I've looked at this game two weeks ago and didn't understand all the tactics behind the zugzwang, thank you for explaining.

[@seanomaille3051]

More of what you consider important games would be great. Wonderful explanation also!!

[@kennystimpson2775]

Please share more games like this, its very helpful to see you go through moves and explain why they work or dont

[@enricopallazzo3244]

Really enjoy these. Keep experimenting with content, you have a good feel for shat your viewers want.

[@runarcn]

I'd love that series!

[@nathanmermilliod3135]

Amazing video and game!

[@dillanroytaylor]

Love watching you play, Eric. But when you break down other people’s games it’s so enjoyable and digestible (e.g. your How to Crush the London vid). Would love to see more like this!

[@diptodeepmajumder9746]

Top level analysis with a nice and soothing voice? I subscribed for this.

[@MarvashMagalli]

This was very cool, yes please make more videos like this

[@rosiefay7283]

Thank you for covering the game's final position in such detail.

[@estemachine]

Absolutely, I would love to see more games like this. Also quack!

[@deloford]

Love it, like more of these!

[@ClassicPass_]

I will watch ANY vid of you analyzing old classics my guy. Thanks

[@AirinTV]

I would love to see more of this type of vídeo! it was so much fun watching this! maybe go through more immortal games?

[@tristanrujano]

I just want to say thanks for all the chess content, I’ve learned so much and many times watch your videos with some tea to relax after the day. I’m pushing to get to 2000 elo which is my life goal and currently around 1800!

[@forceward]

Great content. For sure, it would be really informative and useful to watch these kinds of games under your commentary. Keep it going please

[@davidgodfrey880]

Yes more content like this would be awesome.

[@filialoisi]

Very cool consider doing more :)

[@tomas-wi8dy]

yes! please, more like this!

[@lennyuniverse]

that was awesome. saw this game a couple years ago, but its way cooler after ive improved a few hundred elo haha. your explanation was insightful

[@Patiro2]

Yes please, more game analizies

[@pauldearhouse8309]

Great idea for a series, Eric. As far as ideas - Capablanca/Lasker WC when JRC won an endgame with black while EL was forced to shuffle his rook back and forth. JRC notes "all these (rook) moves have a meaning and should be studied".

[@banzaiburger9589]

Yes! I’ve always felt that I was missing out on the classic games that I should know.

[@LXWiseman]

I'd love analyses like these as a series

[@westleybenson1188]

Love the idea for the new series

[@davidanderson_surrey_bc]

Eric giving us a tutorial on how chess pieces DON'T move.

[@fukinglm]

I want to have more content from you. Anything, really. I admire all videos that you make

[@mebum2289]

yes please do more content like this

[@jaingalt9444]

The golden coins game and evergreen game where the games that made me fall in love with chess!!

[@fergs1561]

I loved andras’ know your classics series, so I approve. Would love to have your channel transition to more educational content

[@matthewtelles8619]

Wow. Really cool game. As an intermediate player, Zugzwang was the last chess term that I learned, but never really. appreciated until I started watching your videos and slow, manuvering playstyle.

[@999SickBoy666]

More content where you analyze famous/interesting games? Yes, please!!

[@amaurygeorges1221]

Really nice vidéo thanks

[@justeatingpi842]

Love the Content! I would want to see your commentary of Englisch vs Steinitz 1883.

[@auztin98]

I will always say yes to more Eric content

[@Viebster]

Eric you asked - I’d love more content like this! Thanks for all you do!

[@tolkienfan1972]

Amazing!

[@ChessMasteryOfficial]

7:42 brutal zugzwang move

[@richardohana8898]

Not only a waiting move, but if white plays Kh2 then R5f3 truly traps the queen because h6 is covering the one potential escape square of g5

[@rayanddebbiestrom5094]

Yes, more like this!

[@faustoginepri2607]

Very nice content Eric 😜