Zugzwang, a German word meaning "obligation to move," is actually a chess term. To be "in zugzwang" is to be at a disadvantage because the player must make a move, even though he had rather pass when it is his turn to play.
I know nothing about chess, except of course the names of the pieces, and what the board looks like. I am, however, taking a "refresher course" in bridge. What does that mean? Well, it means that even though I have been playing bridge off and on ever since I was in college, I never knew what I didn't know about the game. Oh, I kind of suspected that I didn't know, but we always played "party bridge," where there was always a lot of laughing, gossiping, snacks, and maybe some wine.
Now I am learning bridge on a whole different level, and I have a constant fear of being "in zugzwang" if I make the wrong bid or play the wrong card, because if I do, I will definitely "go down," or lose.
The kind of bridge that I am attempting to learn is "duplicate," and there is no table talk, or wine, or snacks. This is serious stuff! I have to actually think! My partner and I can have no signals, like faking a sneeze to tell my partner to pass, or stating my bid in the form of a question, like on Jeopardy. To me, bridge is a game of numbers, and math has never been my strong point. I am always on the edge of understanding it, but just not quite!!
There is just soooo much to remember! I have to add up my partner's points with my points, after I figure out just how many points my partner has. Then I have to figure out how many points the opponents have, and who has what why. See what I mean?
After we have settled on a contract, then we have to actually PLAY the cards, or if the opponents get the contract, I have to play to defeat them. I have to "lead," or play the first card. Oh! My head is spinning! I fear that if I play the wrong card I will be "in zugzwang!!" But this is not chess; it is bridge and I am doing this for FUN. Really? Hahahaha!
I WILL learn how to play bridge! There is something very satisfying about playing a cerebral game at my age. I'm old, you know. Wish me luck!
19 comments:
I fear it would take me a very long time to get the hang of this game. It sounds very confusing! ;))
You aren't old! You're one of the youngest thinking persons I know.
Did someone mention wine? If I knew there was wine involved, I would have learned to play Bridge a long time ago...
xxoo,
RMW
Always a unique and creative post here ~ Great to see and hear from you ~ carol, xxx
I don't know chess or bridge but that zugzwang is an interesting word, certainly something to shout out when you're losing?
great z post. have a sweet day.
Zugzwang, a new word to me indeed. I can imagine me playing scrabble, and other players telling me to Zugzwang,
Also a new word for me.
Love the word. My parents used to play bridge with their friends. I now have one of my Mom's end tables with her cards and bridge scoring tablets.
What a fantastic word for the letter z. Good luck with learning that game. I still only play those fun games that allow chatting and snacks and wine. :-)
I asked my hubby, the chess player, and of course he knew Zugswang! I tend more toward Scrabble or Pictionary! My MIL was a big bridge player, but I don't know if it was "serious bridge" or "wine and snacks bridge" :)
Good luck with your learning!
I was down to start bridge classes and chickened out. Good for you
Glad you are learning it and remember it is a 'game' and have fun ~ it is time! ~ carol, xxx
Thanks for 'visiting' ~
You taught me a new German word, lol ! I had never heard it when playing chess. I played chess already as a child with my father, but bridge sounds so difficult to me !
Did someone mention wine? Have the rules of the game been updated?? Tell me, someone, quick!!
Please do pass the bottle of wine! Lately, I feel much like the woman pulling her hair! I haven't time, or blogging energy really to post a Z this week, drained, just drained, but gee I couldn't not comment when I saw your post! Bravo! I miss blogging with you, and Jenny and the whole darn gang!
I don't think my brain can hold numbers well enough to count the cards correctly at this stage. I am really beginning to have noticeably less short term memory. It is so annoying!
Good luck! This old lady is rooting for you!!
=)
A great idea...it should keep your mind sharp♫♪ Best of luck! Thnaks for the new word and for dropping by my blog♥
I've muttered many words during a frustrating chess match, but never Zugzwang. Interesting.
fun, huh?!
I've never played bridge, but my mother loved it. even taught others.
lots of luck!
and when you're done, bring on the wine! and snacks! and gossip!
Chess is out of my comfort zone - I have always been more of a checkers girl...
But zugzwang is an interesting word for the letter "Z"!
Thanks for linking.
A+++
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