Endgame - Chess Term
Endgame
Definition
In chess, the endgame is the phase that begins after most of the material has been exchanged and the kings emerge as fighting pieces. A position is generally called an endgame when each side has no more than one or two major pieces (queen or rooks) and only a handful of minor pieces and pawns remain. Because mating attacks are rarer and pawn promotion looms large, the endgame is governed by different strategic and tactical principles than the opening or middlegame.
How the Term Is Used
- “We’re in a rook endgame.” – Players specify the type of endgame to discuss typical techniques.
- “Capablanca’s endgame technique.” – The word is often synonymous with technical skill.
- “Convert the advantage in the endgame.” – Turning a small material or structural edge into a win.
Strategic Themes
- King Activity. With fewer pieces to fear, the king becomes an attacking unit; centralization is usually vital.
- Passed Pawns & Promotion. The race to create, stop, or queen a pawn is often decisive.
- Piece Coordination. Harmony between the remaining pieces, especially rook(s) behind passed pawns (the “Tarrasch rule”).
- Opposition & Zugzwang. Subtle pawn-king maneuvers can force the opponent into a losing move.
- Fortresses & Defensive Techniques. Even material deficits can sometimes be saved with accurate set-ups.
Historical Significance
Endgame theory has evolved for centuries:
- 18th century: Philidor analyzed fundamental rook endgames (the “Philidor position”).
- 19th century: László Lásker and Johannes Zukertort expanded practical studies.
- Early 20th century: José Raúl Capablanca earned the nickname “The Endgame Machine.”
- Modern era: Tablebases (exact computer calculations) have solved all 7-piece endgames, confirming or overturning human evaluations.
Classical Example: The Lucena Position
Lucena (c. 1497) showed how the side with an extra rook’s pawn on the 7th rank and a supporting rook can build a
“bridge” to escort the king out of check:
Modern Example: Carlsen–Karjakin, World Ch. 2016 (Game 10)
In a seemingly sterile rook endgame Carlsen marshaled his king to b6, created a passed a-pawn, and eventually forced resignation. The game illustrated how relentless pressure and flawless technique can turn “equal” endgames into wins at elite level.
Notable Endgame Studies
- Reti Study (1921): King zig-zags to both support its own pawn and stop the opponent’s.
- Smyslov–Botvinnik, 1954 WCC, Game 24: A bishop vs. knight ending showcasing the power of a remote passed pawn.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Capablanca reputedly beat club players by trading pieces “until only kings remained,” then demonstrating flawless technique.
- The longest tablebase win (7 pieces) requires 556 perfect moves.
- Thanks to endgame skill, Ulf Andersson once drew 17 consecutive inferior endings against world-class opposition.
Why Study Endgames?
A small investment in endgame knowledge yields outsized practical returns. As the great Soviet trainer Mark Dvoretsky said, “In the endgame you see chess in its purest form.” Mastering key positions—Lucena, Philidor, king and pawn opposition—adds half-points to any tournament score.