Opening

The initial stage of a game, characterised by mobilising each side’s forces.

Middlegame

From German Mittelspiel — “middle of the game.” The stage after the opening, where the main action usually unfolds — attack and defence, positional manoeuvring, combinations and sacrifices. Typically marked by many pieces on the board and a variety of plans.

Endgame

From German Endspiel — “closing game.” The final part of a game. The line between middlegame (mittelspiel) and endgame (endspiel) is not always sharp. Depending on the game, the endgame begins when most or all pieces are on the board (as in Cat-a-comb), or when most pieces have been traded (chess, TZAAR).

Tabia (or tabiya)

From Arabic — “filling, packing; mobilisation.” Tabiya is the placement phase in some games — where play effectively starts. Such games usually begin on an empty board; players take turns placing pieces as they wish to set up their strategy and gain an edge for the main phase, when movement begins. Examples: DVONN, and tournament TZAAR.

In modern chess and draughts, a tabia also means a typical opening position where mobilisation is largely finished and the middlegame begins.

Zugzwang

From German Zugzwang — “compulsion to move.” A position where any move the player makes worsens their situation.

Zeitnot

From German Zeit (time) and Not (need) — shortage of time to think about moves. The term arose after time controls entered chess tournaments and later spread to other turn-based games with clocks.