Endgames

The part of chess that can actually be known rather than guessed.

• OppositionKings one square apart: whoever has to move must give way. 12 puzzles
• TriangulationThree king moves that hand the move to your opponent.
• Corresponding SquaresEach square your king takes has one square the defender must answer.
• Queen vs. Pawn on 7thQueen beats pawn on the seventh, except rook and bishop pawns.
• Lucena PositionThe won rook endgame, and the bridge that shields the king.
• Philidor PositionRook endgame draw a pawn down: third rank, then checks from behind.
• King and Pawn EndgamesKings and pawns only, where one square or one move decides. 12 puzzles
• Square of the PawnA king inside the pawn's box catches the pawn. 12 puzzles
• Key SquaresSquares near a pawn that win once your king stands on one. 12 puzzles
• Rook vs. Two PawnsTwo connected pawns on the sixth beat a lone rook. 12 puzzles
• Minor Piece EndgamesBishops and knights escorting pawns, and the wrong bishop that draws. 12 puzzles
• Bishops of the Same ColourBoth bishops on one colour: pawns on that colour are targets. 12 puzzles
• Bishops of Opposite ColoursOne light bishop, one dark: often drawn even two pawns down. 12 puzzles
• Knight vs. PawnWhether the knight catches the pawn is a matter of counting moves. 12 puzzles
• Queen EndgamesDecided by checks: shelter your king before you push the pawn. 12 puzzles
• King ActivityOnce the queens are off, the king is a fighting piece. 12 puzzles
• Pawn BreakthroughSacrifice pawns to open a path for one that promotes.
• Zugzwang in EndgamesWhoever runs out of spare moves first has to give way. 12 puzzles
• Dead Drawn EndgamesEndgames that no amount of good play can win. 12 puzzles
• Tablebase BasicsEndgames with seven pieces or fewer are solved exactly. 12 puzzles