The End Game

The end game? Why not start with the opening?

Beginners often spend too much time memorizing opening moves without an understanding of opening fundamentals. The beginner will become easily confused when his or her opponent varies from memorized lines. Therefore, beginners are well advised to initially avoid memorizing opening moves.

Why is the end game of chess a good place to start?

End game theory is well established. Whereas, opening theory changes with each new innovation. Therefore, you can be confident that time spent learning end game theory will not be wasted. Besides, it is easier for the beginner to comprehend the movements of few pieces then of 32 pieces.

The secret...

There is one simple secret of end game play that experts know, but few beginners understand. The secret is knowing what end game positions are won or drawn without have to calculate all the moves. Of course, one must also know the general method required to win or draw, but only the general method. Brute force calculation of all variations is not necessary to win most end game positions. Simply knowing what positions are favorable and why is good enough. The players who understand the secret can judge when to trade down from the middle game into the end game simply by knowing what end game positions are favorable without mental reckoning.

Of course, it is still important to play tactically correct even in the end game. Accurate moves in the end game are required even when the technique is simple. The end game is no place to make a hasty move. Even a slight slip of the finger can be the difference between a draw and a loss.

The secret to end game play is revealed here, but shhhhhh. Please don't tell anyone, or else this WWW server will be overloaded. To illustrate the power of "the secret" I offer this example of a Queen and Pawn endgame.

It is not sufficient to just acquaint yourself with these "secret" positions. You should be able to calculate with profound ease and clarity the final result though far removed from the end of the game. I have carefully selected these "secret" positions from among those most commonly found in actual play. You will not waste your valuable study time learning some rare position that you may never see over the board.

Good study habits are important. You should study not more than a few positions in any one sitting. It is not enough to merely acquaint yourself with the lesson positions. You must learn their secrets well for best results. Practice these positions and their variations on your own chess board. Practice them from both sides of the board. You may be surprised how often you can swindle a favorable result from an opponents who is less schooled in end game "secrets."

End Game Secret Positions

Learn these King and Pawn End Game Secrets first.
Then study these King and Pawn End Game Studies after you have learned all the King and Pawn Secrets above.