zugzwang
Move-compelled disadvantage
Zugzwang is a chess term for a position where any move a player makes will worsen their situation—the obligation to move is itself the problem.
German for "compulsion to move." The concept extends to any dilemma where all available options are harmful: The scandal put the candidate in zugzwang—silence looked like guilt, but speaking would only amplify the story.
Difficult, unpleasant situation
- quandaryState of perplexity
- catch-22Paradoxical no-win situation
- no-win situationDilemma without good outcomes
- bindFasten or obligate
impasse · deadlock · lose-lose · double bind · checkmate · trapped · cornered · forced hand
Inescapable capture position
- stalemateMutual obstruction preventing progress
- endgameConcluding phase of competition
- tempoRate of musical performance
- triangulationLocation via three points
opposition · prophylaxis · squeeze · trebuchet · blockade · outflanking · shouldering
Required task or commitment
- coercionPressured compliance through threats
- constraintLimiting condition or rule
- necessityIndispensable requirement
- no choiceLack of alternatives
involuntary · duress · inescapability · compelled · mandate · pressure · inevitability · trapped
Coercive tactical maneuver
- restrictionLimit on action
- constrictionTightening or narrowing action
- maneuveringSkillful directional control
- waiting gameStrategy of deliberate delay
attrition · domination · outplaying · suffocation · lockdown · stranglehold · territorial control · coordination
predicament
Difficult, unpleasant situation
- quandaryState of perplexity
- catch-22Paradoxical no-win situation
- no-win situationDilemma without good outcomes
bind · impasse · deadlock · lose-lose · double bind · checkmate · trapped · cornered · forced hand · between a rock and a hard place
checkmate
Inescapable capture position
- stalemateMutual obstruction preventing progress
- endgameConcluding phase of competition
- tempoRate of musical performance
triangulation · opposition · prophylaxis · squeeze · trebuchet · blockade · outflanking · shouldering
obligation
Required task or commitment
- coercionPressured compliance through threats
- constraintLimiting condition or rule
- necessityIndispensable requirement
no choice · involuntary · duress · inescapability · compelled · mandate · pressure · inevitability · trapped · bound
squeeze play
Coercive tactical maneuver
- restrictionLimit on action
- constrictionTightening or narrowing action
- maneuveringSkillful directional control
waiting game · attrition · domination · outplaying · suffocation · lockdown · stranglehold · territorial control · coordination