The Transit of Saturn: Zugzwang

In a game of Chess there might be a situation where one is at a disadvantage because of the pressure to make a move, where the player would like to pass and make no move. By being forced to make a move leads to one's position becoming significantly weaker than the hypothetical one in which it is the opponent's turn to move. In combinatorial game theory, it specifically means that it directly changes the outcome of the game from a win to a loss. In Chess however it can be a Win to a Draw or a Draw to a Loss. It can even mean significant loss in positional strength or loss of material. A player when in his turn to move, who has no move that does not worsen the position is said to be in zugzwang. Thus every move would make their position worse, and they would be better off if they could pass and not move. So, it all boils down to "being a player to move cannot do anything without making an important concession".

zug·zwang (tsktsväng) n. A situation in a chess game in which a player is forced to make an undesirable or disadvantageous move. [German Zugzwang : Zug, pull, move + Zwang, compulsion.]

The Past.

A true master of the 64 Squares set 64 conditions to defend his title against Anatoly Karpov left us all a few days ago aged 64.

All of them knew he was a genius, the smartest strategist and a brilliant innovator. The world will understand him better if it forgets all the follies and looks to find the true spirit of an ardent Grandmaster who wanted to challenge the system to simply improve the game. His contributions are many from adding the variations to the Najorf Sicilian, Ruy Lopez, Nimzo-Indian and the King's Gambit; to inventing Chess960 and the digital delay clocks.

I have always been successful with the Fischer Variation and the great bishop ending popularly known as the Fischer Endgame. Sometimes champions are labeled lunatics for standing up for things that the vast majority have taken for granted.

A great past that always remained turbulent, a past called Bobby Fischer.

The Present-
Virtually most of the possible bowling records are under the belt of this wonderful cricketer. A rare human being who still makes us, believe that Cricket is a Gentlemen's game. Commitment, perseverance, toil, brilliance are at times used as synonyms with him.

In May 2002 heavily strapped up, with bands going around his jaw, over his head and across the back of it, a semi-mummified man ran in and presto, scalped the wicket of Lara. A few said his appearance and bowling was simply a case of insecurity - he was booking a place in the squad that will tour England later. A few others said it was a calculated stunt to gain the sympathy of the public and the media. Andrew Leipus made it clear that local dentists had patched up the jaw and there was little chance of worsening the injury by playing, it was good enough to take the conspiracy theorists and nay-sayers out of the picture. But that never happens. People will believe what they want. There are others who feel this was a defining moment in his career. A testament to the man's approach to the game. His job is to bowl and take wickets, he thought it was well within him to push himself and give his best.

He is someone who has made the sport proud today by conquering Perth. He will be know for a lot of other glorious things but the following quote will always remain etched in my memory.

"Unfortunately, these days, when someone apologises, it is seen as either a sign of weakness or an admission of guilt. I am neither unnerved nor are we guilty. In the larger interests of the game, if an apology could help build bridges and smooth things over, then it is better made than left unsaid because of egos."

The simplicity and sincerity of the present, a present to all of us, a present called Jumbo-

The Future,
On 19th Jan, The World's fastest Indian celebrated yet another Birthday. A young champion who is so clear headed and composed. Takes pressure lightly, works hard and shows commitment to all the youngsters when he is around at the MMSC Race track in Chennai guiding them and giving direction to race their Formula LGB class cars.

Some outstanding qualities are often hereditary, and being the Prodigal Son of the Legendary Vicky has surely helped in a great way. Being simple and keeping it short n sweet has been naturally inherited by this future champion.

I still wake up in the middle of the night, smiling and feeling happy about the dreams where I cheer him from the pits when he wins his first Formula 1 race.

The future belongs to an Indian Force, a future called Karun Chandhok,