Position Power
Position Power
Endgames are confusing. They're confusing to study and understand, especially when that grandmaster makes that weird-looking rook move or stockfish throws out 10 blunders in a row for 10 king moves. Endgames are probably the most difficult part of the game to master because there isn't some sort of opening theory or a complex plan. The game often looks simple, but it's meticulous and needs precision.
However, one way to get better at the endgame is through patterns. There are often patterns to endgames, such as common checkmates. You probably know the ladder mate, for example.
In the Lucena position, white is trying to promote their last passed pawn, and both sides have a rook. The problem is that white's king is on the promotion square, and black's rook looks like it will be able to keep checking white's king and get a draw. However, there are some tips in the Lucena position that allows white to promote and win.
Notice how black is able to prevent the white king from moving out of the promotion square, so white should play Rd2+ to cut off the black king and allow the white's king to move off the promotion square. This solves the problem of the king. But now, the black rook is always able to check the white king back to the promotion square.
The Lucena Position to the rescue! Can you find a rook move for white that would be able to protect the king from black's checks, while also cutting off the black king.
By cutting off the white king, the white pieces will have a difficult time making any progress. Since the rook is passive, it is unable to offer any assistance. It can give checks, but the king can simply go between e7 and e8.
Thus, white's only decision is to push the pawn forward. Can you find the best move for black after the pawn is pushed forward?
Hopefully, you get the point. Because white pushed the pawn and the rook is passive the white king has no cover if the black rook goes to the first rank. However, this only works after the pawn has been pushed.
But what are your thoughts on these must-know endgame positions? Were these helpful? Let me know! 
