Best techniques for endgame
By the time a chess game reaches the endgame, only a few pieces remain on the board. Even the slightest mistake at this point can lead to defeat. Here are the most important endgame techniques that beginners should learn:
👑 King Activation
- Concept: We hide the king in the middlegame, but in the endgame the king becomes a powerful attacking piece.
- What to do: As soon as the queens on the board are exchanged, you need to bring your king to the center of the board.
- Benefit: The king in the center can be used to defend pawns, attack opponent pawns, and drive one's own pawns forward.
♟️ Pawn Promotion Techniques
- Passed Pawn: When your pawn moves forward, it is called a 'passed pawn' if there are no opponent pawns to block it or attack it from adjacent files. It should be pushed forward as quickly as possible.
- The Rule of the Square: This is useful for calculating whether your pawn can become a queen without the help of the opponent's king. Draw an imaginary square from the pawn to the promotion square. If the opponent's king can enter that square, he can capture the pawn. Otherwise, your pawn becomes a queen. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
⚔️ King and Pawn Endgames (King and Pawn Basics)
- Opposition: Opposition is when two kings are facing each other on the same line or file with only one empty square in the middle. When it is their turn, they must move aside. It is important to achieve opposition to push the opponent's king back and make way for your pawn.
- Key Squares: In order for your pawn to move forward, your king must first occupy certain squares (Key Squares). This prevents the opponent's king from blocking your pawn. [1]
🏰 Rook Endgames (Rook Endgames - Most Common)
Rook endgames are very common in endgames. There are two main principles involved:
- Tarrasch Rule: Rooks should always be placed behind passed pawns (whether they are your pawns or your opponent's pawns). From behind, the rook can control more squares.
- Philidor Position: This is the best defensive technique to draw a match when you are one pawn short. You should cut the 3rd/6th rank with your rook to prevent the opponent's rook and king from advancing. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
🚫 Mistakes Beginners Shouldn't Make
- Moving pawns unnecessarily: Every pawn move in the endgame creates a permanent weakness.
- Keeping the king in the corner: If you keep the king in the corner for fear of keeping it safe, the opponent's king will come and occupy the entire board.
