The Art of The Endgame
Growing up, I personally found endgame study to be so boring. Fewer pieces on the board means fewer complicated variations to calculate, right? Wrong!
The necessity for accuracy in endgames is a lot higher since even though there are fewer pieces on the board, there are more open squares too, and subsequently more alternative moves.
There are of course basic endgames that every chess player should know or even have memorized, but then there are endgame studies that offer a window into the wonderful intricacies of the final phase of the game.
The Art of The Endgame: About the Book
I have always likened chess composition to creating art or music – the composer brings an idea to life that was born in their mind. In his book “The Art of the Endgame“, GM Jan Timman describes the process of chess composition as just that (hence the book’s name), `and aims to show readers “why endgame studies are so beautiful and so interesting.” Timman’s passion for endgames is evident throughout the book – from its cover to its final chapter and readers can get to share this passion while understanding how endgame studies are created, and at the same time, solving them.
Timman explains the process behind composing an endgame study as follows:
The book offers a wide variety of endgame study themes, created by various composers, from mating nets to fortresses, and more. Take a look at the table of contents shown below, or on the book’s free sample.
Note, as the book’s synopsis tells us: Timman has revised the book for this new edition. With the help of engines, Timman discovered that a few studies needed to be corrected or had alternative solutions. He removed six studies and replaced another six with better versions. Fourteen new studies have been added, two of which are published here for the first time.
The Art of The Endgame: About the Author
Jan Timman is a prominent Dutch grandmaster and prolific author, celebrated for his deep contributions to chess literature. At the height of his playing career, he ranked as the world’s number two on the FIDE rankings and has also notably been a world championship candidate. Beyond his success over the board, he has a profound appreciation for the intricacies of chess endgame studies and has composed many. Timman has written many acclaimed chess books and was honored with the title of FIDE Master of Composition in 2022.
The Art of The Endgame: Study Examples
Let’s take a look at some of the studies that you will find in the book:
Chapter 1: Miniature Studies
Chapter 8: Stalemate Patterns
This one is a little tricky. “Both sides have a dangerous passed pawn. Due to certain circumstances, the black king turns out to be the safer of the two.”
Keep in mind: Black’s pawn push to c2 comes with a check.
Whether you are an avid composition solver, or just getting into it, this book will surely pick your brain with its collection of beautiful studies.
Have any thoughts or questions? Let us know in the comments below!
Don’t miss out on The Art of the Endgame’s special introductory offer available at www.forwardchess.com
Study Solutions
Study 1:
Study 2:
- The Power of Pattern Recognition: The Woodpecker Method 2 - August 20, 2024
- Rock Solid Chess: Volume 2 - February 21, 2024
- Unsung Heroes of Chess - February 19, 2024
Sean Marsh