Learn How to Use an Intermezzo: Crushing Tactic
This puzzle shows a classic intermezzo, also called a zwischenzug: instead of answering the opponent’s threat in the most obvious way, White inserts a forcing move that changes the tactical order. In the opening, that often works because the enemy king is still uncastled, pieces are loose, and the queen can become overextended. Here, the key idea is to exploit a tactical refutation of the opponent’s last move by creating a direct check and winning tempo while also improving material balance.