Popular chess author Steve Giddins presents 101 ideas that are vital to successful endgame play. By absorbing and understanding these concepts and methods, you will be in a position to apply them in your own games. The tips are arranged according to the type of ending in question. This is an ideal book to read without using a chess set, as the abundant diagrams guide you through the analysis and illustrate the key points. All types of endings are covered, including both simple technical situations and more complex strategic battles. The tips include both pithy rules of thumb and general thinking methods. The examples are drawn from an immense variety of sources and based on Giddins' experiences as a player, coach and pupil. Steve Giddins is a FIDE Master from England who plays regularly in international events and has frequently contributed to the British Chess Magazine. He has gained a reputation as a writer who provides useful, no-nonsense advice on topics of genuine practical importance. Pub. 2006, softback, 111 pages.
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Every important endgame concept is explained in 639 diagrammed examples. Learn how to use the pieces against each other and against the pawns in these key positions. All types of ending are examined.pub. 2000, softback, 392 pages.
A new algebraic edition of one of the definitive works on the endgame. This edition has been enhanced by GM Pal Benko who has added new examples and pudated some analysis. With over 1000 examples and hundreds of diagrams this book not only shows typical examples of all important endgame types but gives clear explanations of the winning or drawing methods in each case. Reuben Fine was one of America's leading grandmasters and a before becoming a professional psychiatrist. "Basic Chess Endings is a true masterpiece, an essential book on the endgame for all players." - Judith Polgar. Pub. 2003, softback, 605 pages.
Endgame technique is something known to Grandmasters but not usually to the rest of us. Here Mednis explains some of the basic principles which underlie "Grandmaster technique". In 13 chapters he considers Dealing with Weaknesses, Simplification, the Six Major Principles, One Pawn Advantage, Overlooked Techniques and many more ideas. This book teaches the skills and methods required for good endgame play. Pub. 2000, softback, 172 pages.
A famous book which, in fact, contains 60 complete Capablanca games although the explanation and analysis is concentrated in the endgame phase. Capablanca was a great believer that the only way to improve your chess was to study endings and he became known as the "Chess Machine" for his virtuoso endgame play. Chernev's detailed analysis and clear explanations combined with Capablanca's outstanding play in these examples makes them worthy of repeated study. Pub. 1982, softback, 298 pages.
This is an endgame manual with a difference as it is based on a training course used by the author to teach various clubs and organisations in Germany. As soon as a topic has been introduced and a few basic ideas discussed, you are immediately invited to immerse yourself in the subject by solving a series of relevant positions. The solutions to these positions feature a wealth of practical advice and further discussion of endgame principles and the key theoretical points. All the main types of endgames are covered in 15 sections: pawn endings, minor-piece endings, rook endings and queen endings. Rosen discusses important elements in endgame strategy, such as pawn-structure, passed pawns, space advantage, breakthrough and Zugzwang. Endgames are often highly tactical, and this is reflected throughout this book in exercises that require precise calculation, and in sections devoted to typical tactical themes. There is a wealth of exercises throughout the book. Pub. 2003, softback, 176 pages.
Contains 200 instructive and challenging endgame quiz positions for you to solve. Each has a diagram and a choice of three alternative moves beneath. You have to choose the right solution. Includes chapters on pawn endings, rook & pawn endings, queen endings and minor piece endings. GM Larry Evans is a five-time U.S. Champion. Pub. 2002, softback, 303 pages.
Averbakh's classic one volume endgame book contains sufficient practical information to last a player up to the level of strong club player. He examines Mating a Lone King, Pieces in Combat, Pieces vs Pawns, Queening a Pawn (i.e. what to do if you are a pawn up) and Practical Endings. Highly recommended. Pub. 1993, softback, 108 pages
Ian Snape is a strong club player and correspondence chess International Master. He has produced this book with the aim of improving the endgame strength of other amateur players who don't have the time or inclination to remember massive amounts of complex theory. With that in mind he concentrates here on endgames which occur frequently in practice, which can be explained in terms of concepts and plans rather than long calculations and in which the scope for improvement is greatest. So, for example, in the section on basic checkmates he deals only with B&NvK, QvR, RvB, RvN and R&BvR and not with the really simple checkmates. In all chapters the emphasis is on key techniques and on highlighting the most common mistakes made in practice. The second half of the book features 100 diagrammed exercises, with solutions, all taken from real games. This should be a very useful handbook for tournament and club players rated under 2000 (175BCF) although there may be stronger players around who need to brush up their technique! Pub. 2003, softback, 144 pages.
This pocket-sized companion to Concise Chess Openings provides you with the basic theory of pawn, rook, minor piece and queen endgames as well as showing real-game examples of how to attack and defend in these endings. Chapters five and six offer sound practical advice on Winning Complex Endgames and Saving Difficult Endgames involving ideas about key pieces and their activity, exchanging and pushing pawns, counterplay, control of the clock and schematic thinking. The final chapter focuses on, relatively rare, pawnless endgames; some familiarity with which is necessary in these days of quickplay finishes. The book is aimed at the average club or tournament player who wants a one-volume tutorial emphasising the practical but including key theoretical positions. Pub. 2002, softback, 288 pages.
Renowned Russian chess coach and author Mark Dvoretsky has written what is surely destined to be a standard treatise on endgames for many years to come. He provides, in fifteen chapters, all the important information which you need in order to understand these endgame types with their various material imbalances. Key positions and ideas, which must be learned, are printed in blue with additional material and further examples in black, making it easy for the reader to grasp the essentials of any endgame quickly. Dvoretsky manages to combine clarity in explaining the strategy of each ending with accuracy in his deep analysis of some positions, often overturning the previous analysis of other strong players. There are chapters on: Pawn, Knight v Pawns, Knight, Bishop v Pawns, Opposite Colour Bishops, Same Colour Bishops, Knight v Bishop, Rook v Pawns, Rook, Rook v Knight, Rook v Bishop, Queen & Queen v Rook endings. The final two chapters cover other material imbalances and General Endgame Ideas. Each chapter ends with a set of diagrammed exercises the solutions to which are in the final chapter of the book. For the second edition the author has re-worked the section on rook endings in the light of recent discoveries. He has also made corrections throughout where necessary. "This book is Dvoretsky's most significant book." - I.M. Jacob Aagaard. Pub.2006, softback, 402 pages.Click here for CD version
Robertie explains the strategy of the endgame in 15 chapters divided according to type of ending (rooks, knights, bishops etc.) each chapter explains the properties of the pieces involved and how best to use them before giving practical examples of endgame play. A good introduction to endgame play aimed at club level players. Pub. 2003, softback, 317 pages.
Contains 451 diagrammed examples of various types of ending which are intended for solving by the reader. Examples are of varying difficulty but solutions are provided and hints offered. A book you can enjoy without a chess set in front of you! pub. 1995, softback, 222 pages.
An excellent introduction to the endings from one of the USA's leading chess instructors. All types of ending are explained using examples which highlight the themes and motifs of each type enabling the reader to work out plans for themselves in any given situation. Pub. 1992, softback, 221 pages.
In this valuable book Jacob Aagaard arms the reader with several endgame weapons that every strong technical player has in his toolbox - "the seven technical tools". These include important skills such as schematic thinking, domination, preventing counterplay, building fortresses and utilising zugzwang. These tools are illustrated in deeply analysed games containing numerous different themes. The second half of the book shows these tools used in combination to develop more advanced ideas. A serious study of this book will ensure that the reader need no longer need fear the word ‘technique’. Pub. 2004, softback, 183 pages.
BCF BOOK OF THE YEAR 2002!
This is a major event in chess publishing. Two German endgame experts have produced a masterly one-volume encyclopaedia which covers all major endgames. It supersedes all previous works of this type by being far more accurate and readable. With new time-controls meaning that competitive games are played to a finish, it is especially important that chess-players understand the main endgame principles, so this is no dry reference work; throughout the book, the authors emphasize the practical elements of endgame play: principles, rules of thumb and thinking methods. They have also provided a feast of detailed analysis for those looking to study the endgame in depth. The book offers many practical examples showing how to play key positions of varying difficulty Pub. 2001, softback, 416 pages.
Soltis adopts the format of teacher-student dialogue to illustrate various ways of improving your endgame play. The discussion topics include handling different pieces, techniques, plans, rules etc. and are illustrated with examples, diagrams and graphic captions allowing for a quicker grasp of concepts than with a standard presentation format. Pub. 1997, softback, 214 pages.
One of the best general endgame books available with 331 examples covering all types of ending in sufficient detail for the reader to understand the key strategies of each type. A good knowledge of basic endings can gain you many points in tournament play especially in these days of rapidplay finishes and this book contains enough information to take you to the level of strong club player. In English descriptive (P-K4) notation. Pub. 1976, softback, 258 pages.
A beginner to intermediate level book covering all types of endgames with practical examples throughout. Notes, tips and traps as well as chapter summaries emphasize the key ideas to be remembered from each section. There are chapters on Queen, Rook, Bishop, Knight and Pawn endings as well as "Pieces vs Pawns" and a valuable "Practical Advice" section. Flear also includes test positions for each chapter. Glenn Flear is a Grandmaster and established author.pub. 2000, softback, 160 pages.
Do you know the difference between Zugzwang and Squeeze? Do terms such as Coup de Repos and Trebuchet leave you nonplussed? Don't worry because after a mercifully brief introduction involving such terminology the main body of this book is 103 diagrammed endgames involving zugzwang positions. By their nature such positions, in which any move loses, always fascinate because of their rarity and the beauty of their solution. These examples, with annotated solutions included, are no exception. Pub. 2001, softback, 125 pages.
Just The Facts aims to boil down all essential endgame knowledge into one volume which you can use for the rest of your life. All types of ending are covered with typical examples of play. Important principles to remember are highlighted in coloured boxes; drawing and winning methods are explained. Test positions and solutions are included at the end of each chapter. With over 500 diagrammed examples and excellent presentation this sets the standard for any future endgame books. Lev Alburt is a three time U.S. Champion and a top coach. Nikolay Krogius is a Russian coach and GM.pub. 2000, softback, 408 pages.
The king is at it's strongest in the endgame and must be used actively, often at the expense of losing material, to either gain victory or avoid defeat. Mednis shows examples of active kings, imprisoned kings and correct use of the king in all types of endgame. He also shows how to master technical ideas such as triangulation and the opposition. A valuable and instructive endgame text. Pub. 1997, softback, 104 pages.
This is the 4th volume in the Russian "Chess School" series and it covers all types of endgame from simple pawn endings to more comples positions with a material imbalance. The 600 diagrammed examples here all have an exact solution and so provide ideal study material. Each chapter has a section of test positions with solutions provided. The manual consists of eight parts corresponding to different types of ending: pawn, knight, bishop, bishop vs kinght, mixed pieces, rook, queen & unusual material balance. The author is a Russian Grandmaster. Pub. 2003, hardback, 183 pages.
Flear develops several of the ideas introduced in his Improve Your Endgame with chapters on the Principles of Rook Endgames, Theory of Rook Endgames, Pawns and Queens and Minor Pieces. He starts with a Learn From the Masters section showing how some famous players handled difficult endgames. Each chapter is full of highlighted tips and has a few exercises for the reader to solve. The examples in the book are taken from practical play and designed to illustrate important themes. Price: £14.99(£14.99 Including VAT at 0%)This product is included in our 10% discount offer for orders of 2 or more qualifying books & CD or DVD products!
Many chess games are played to a blitz finish these days and the time for long contemplation of endgames just isn't available. The aim of this book is to identify some standard endgame procedures, knowledge of which can help you in situations where a rapid decision is required. In a book packed with examples the authors examine typical grandmaster mistakes, modern endgame play, computers in endgames and endings from super tournaments as well as considering specific types of endgame and the endgame skill of Karpov. Includes 36 exercise positions with solutions. Pub. 2003, softback, 208 pages.
An entertainingly presented book which teaches some of the basic endgame ideas using 239 diagrammed examples, one per page. Topics covered include Pieces in Action (basic checkmates), Pawns in Action (pawn endings) and Pieces and Pawns in Action which includes rook, minor piece and queen endings. Also features a glossary of endgame terms. This book is designed to introduce relative beginners to some vital endgame concepts, strategies and tactics. Author Bruce Pandolfini is an experineced author and coach based in New York. Pub. 1988, softback, 320 pages.
The endgame is the part of the game in which the result of the game is decided, yet few players devote as much study to it as they know they should. This book will help remedy the problem. By addressing important practical aspects of the endgame in lively fashion, Mednis draws the reader into exploring the endgame in a painless and captivating manner. Here at last is an endgame book designed to be read from cover to cover! Starting with entertaining, cautionary examples of resignations in drawn or even winning positions, Mednis moves on to discuss the key practical aspects of rook endings, minor-piece endings, and endings with a double pawn. Pub. 1998, softback, 144 pages.
Mednis has collected a set of practical endgame positions which illustrate some vital principle in the handling of that endgame and, with questions, answers and analysis, shows how to recognise and exploit the key features of that endgame. His emphasis is always on strategy and planning, his examples are both instructive and entertaining. Pub. 1987, softback, 136 pages.
This book combines the clear, practical instruction for which Mednis is rightly famous with a series of 20 self-test endings in which you have to find the right move or plan at various points along the way. All the endgames are taken from real games. Some are used to explain the principles of play; some are tests in the style of "How Good is Your Chess" All types of endgame are covered. Pub. 1997, softback, 239 pages.
A large proportion of chess games are decided in the endgame or in the transition to the endgame, but chess literature has provided relatively little guidance for players seeking to improve their skill in making the vital decisions in these phases of the game. Building on the ideas introduced in his ground-breaking work Foundations of Chess Strategy, Lars Bo Hansen provides a thought-provoking and convincing treatise on how players can maximize the practical problems for their opponents while emphasizing the strengths of their own position. Under his guidance, chess-players will more easily focus on the key elements in the position, and devise plans for exploiting them to the full, and develop a better understanding of which pieces need to be exchanged, and which weaknesses really matter. Lars Bo Hansen is a well-known grandmaster from Denmark. He has won the Danish Championship on two occasions, and represented his country in four olympiads, winning a bronze medal for his individual performance in 1990. Pub. 2006, softback, 223 pages.
The computer database created by Ken Thompson can state with certainty the result of any five piece endgame. In this expanded edition of Nunn's definitive work the most important information from these database is presented in a more digestible form with attacking and defensive plans explained. For this edition a new chapter on six piece endgames has been added. Many six piece endings are now susceptible to computer solving; a selection of the more important ones are included here. (R & N vs 2Ns leads to mate in 243 moves!) This is the last word on pawnless endgames. Pub. 2002, softback, 384 pages.
Acclaimed author IM Jeremy Silman has written an endgame manual with a difference - each of the nine parts of this book is aimed at players of different strengths. Starting with "Endgames for Beginners" and moving up the rating system to "Endgames for Masters" Silman includes just the material you need to know for your playing level in the relevant section. This means that you can gradually expand your endgame knowledge as your rating increases, building on previously acquired information but avoiding anything too advanced until your rating reaches the level where such information would be necessary. This approach ensures that you possess the practical knowledge required to enter battle against your opponents and allows you to build on that knowledge as the strength of opposition you encounter increases. Jeremy Silman is one of the World's leading chess teachers and author of several outstanding instructional books including How to Reassess Your Chess, The Amateur's Mind and the Reassess Your Chess Workbook. Pub. 2007, softback, 546 pages. View contents list
Tactics occur in endings just as frequently as in any other stage of the game. Often though, the players are not looking for or expecting them. Here Dr. Nunn has selected various examples, sorted by tactical theme, from both practical play and composed studies. You can just enjoy or try to solve these instructive and entertaining endgames. Pub. 1998(81), softback, 208 pages.
The endgame quizzes in this book are aimed at testing your thinking processes rather than just tactical calculation. So the diagrammed test positions in chapter one pose questions about strategic thinking whilst those in chapter two emphasise more detailed analysis and planning. Questions such as "What should White do now?" or "Does Black have an advantage here?" abound in chapter one whilst chapter 2 has more questions of the type "Find a win for White". Three further chapters test various aspects of your endgame knowledge in increasing order of difficulty. (Basic Endgames, Intermediate Level and Advanced Level) There are 150 tests altogether and full solutions with explanation are provided for each test. This is the kind of book that will get your chess brain working and can be read without needing access to a chess set. Pub; 2002, softback, 160 pages.
New, improved 3rd edition.
English Chess Federation Book of the Year 2006.
By enjoying the entertainment of real life endgame tactics, and (at least for the moment) forgetting about theoretical positions that seem distant from everyday practice, the amateur player learns to love the endgame. Endgame Tactics is an affordable guide that reduces the psychological burden of endgame instruction by showing that endgames are actually quite enjoyable - because of the tactics!
Van Perlo includes 1105 diagrammed endgame fragments from actual games with chapters on pawn, rook, minor piece and queen endgames. This book is the result of 30 years of collecting, analyzing and catagorizing, by the author, of tactical endgames whichappealed to him. Many of the positions and games will be unknown to the reader.
The book is indexed, according to player names but is eminently browseable as well. G C van Perlo is a Dutch correspondence chess Grandmaster. 3rd edition Pub. 2008, softback, 479 pages.
Good books about endgames for beginners are few and far between.
WINNING CHESS ENDINGS is a great one; a gripping introduction to what you need to know to win chess endings, taught by American Grandmaster Yasser Seirawan. His entertaining, easy-to-understand style, incisive stories and insiders advice will help you develop a solid grasp of proven principles that you can apply with confidence whenever a game goes the distance. You’ll learn to prevail time and again in endgames with common and uncommon combinations and pieces.
WINNING CHESS ENDINGS teaches endgame strategies in an exciting new way by putting you in the middle of the action with first-hand stories taken directly from famous matches. Pull up a chair and watch the world’s most exciting chess endings. Then become an endgame master! Pub. 2003, softback, 249 pages.
Good introduction to endgame strategy which has chapters on the strengths and weaknesses of each piece, the importance of pawn structure, space advantage, endgame tactics and material inequality with classic examples from Grandmaster play. Pub. 1987, softback, 119 pages
Zugzwang is an important theme in endgame play and here Alex Angos offers over 200 diagrammed endgame studies involving zugzwang. He includes chapters on Zugzwang in pawn endings, minor piece endings, rook endings and queen endings as well as a final chapter on the very rare theme of Zugzwang in the middlegame. Solving these positions can only increase your understanding of endgame play as well as providing many hours of enjoyment. Alex Angos is a USCF National Master and author of Endgame Artillery. Pub. 2005, softback, 187 pages.
