An Indispensable Element Among the Great Champions
Artistic endgames, also known as compositions or studies, can be far more than just a visual delight—they are a valuable tool for our chess improvement. We should not assume that, because these positions are crafted rather than drawn from international tournament play, they serve no purpose beyond aesthetics. These problems enhance creativity, sharpen our handling of unusual situations, strengthen tactical awareness, and most importantly, refine our calculation skills by forcing us to explore multiple paths to a precise solution.
It’s worth noting that many World Champions have acknowledged using studies as part of their training—and some have even composed them. One notable example is Anatoly Karpov, who authored the book My Favorite Endings and Studies by Grandmasters, which features a rich collection of these beautiful chess problems.
Entre las experiencias más notables tenemos al GM. Miguel Illescas quién relató que gracias a su amistad con jugadores de élite como Boris Gelfand y Vladimir Kramnik llegó a incluir este recurso en su entrenamiento con magníficos resultados. De allí podemos entender por qué en sus revistas Peón de Rey incluye muchos artículos al respecto.
Among the most notable experiences is that of GM Miguel Illescas, who shared that thanks to his friendship with elite players such as Boris Gelfand and Vladimir Kramnik, he began incorporating this resource into his training—with remarkable results. This helps explain why his magazine Peón de Rey regularly features numerous articles on the subject.
Let us now explore some artistic endgames capable of deepening our love for chess. We kindly urge you to try solving them on your own before looking at the solutions.
After reviewing such outstanding compositions, we can clearly appreciate the tremendous benefits they offer for our calculation, creative development, and our ability to handle unconventional positions.
To put these recommendations on artistic endgames into practice, start by integrating studies into your regular training routine. Dedicate at least one session per week to solving compositions and studies, focusing on analyzing multiple possibilities and variations. This exercise will sharpen both your creativity and your calculation skills.
Secondly, seek out books and resources by renowned chess players who have benefited from these studies. My Favorite Endings by Anatoly Karpov is an excellent starting point. This type of material offers a rich array of problems to solve and gives you insight into the methods and experiences of great masters.
Finally, share and discuss these studies with fellow players. Engage in online forums or study groups where you can exchange ideas and solutions with other chess enthusiasts. This kind of interaction not only enhances your learning but also exposes you to new perspectives and problem-solving approaches—ultimately expanding your chess skills and understanding.
