Zugzwang
A situation found in chess and other games wherein one player is put at a disadvantage because they must make a move when they would prefer to pass and not move.
EverydayConcepts.io
Origin
German for "compulsion to move" (from Zug "move" + Zwang "compulsion"), the term appeared in Deutsche Schachzeitung as early as 1858. Emanuel Lasker introduced it to English in 1905, though the concept itself appears in shatranj studies dating to the 9th century.
Everyday Use
Excellent reminder that there are very few moments where we aren't making a decision or choice about something — failure to "make" a choice is itself a choice. This rings true in our habits, in our career paths, and in our relationships to others.
Updated January 30, 2020