Zugzwang

Zugzwang is a situation on the board in which any move you make worsens your own position.
Zugzwang is a very important element in the endgame. There is almost no pawn ending in which zugzwang does not play a part. The opposition, triangulation, mined or corresponding squares are the best known examples. But in other endings too, zugzwang frequently plays its part.

Those positions in which there is a mutual zugzwang are of particular interest.

Here are some of the important characteristics in a position which can lead to zugzwang:
1) the pieces are immobile;
2) the pieces and pawns are in their best possible positions and any changes will be for the worse;
3) the pieces are fulfilling several tasks at the same time.