Transposition (chess)

In chess, a transposition is a sequence of moves that results in a position that may also be reached by another, more common sequence of moves. Transpositions are particularly common in the opening, where a given position may be reached by different sequences of moves. Players sometimes use transpositions deliberately, to avoid variations they dislike, lure opponents into unfamiliar or uncomfortable territory or simply to worry opponents.^[1][2] To transpose is to play a move that results in a transposition.

Transposition tables are an essential part of a computer chess program.

Transpositions exist in other abstract strategy games such as shogi, Go, tic-tac-toe and Hex.