"Why call it mindless? It's like calling people who study a subject at a university a mindless zombie, because they dedicate themselves to learn the stuff they're studying."
For me it takes the fun out of the game... I like to plan and think (and trying to outhink my opponent). If I already know the best move or "right move", there is no thinking involved? For me chess should be fun; unlike most university studies. 😁
"Why call it mindless? It's like calling people who study a subject at a university a mindless zombie, because they dedicate themselves to learn the stuff they're studying."
For me it takes the fun out of the game... I like to plan and think (and trying to outhink my opponent). If I already know the best move or "right move", there is no thinking involved? For me chess should be fun; unlike most university studies. 😁
I respect your opinion, I play chess for fun as well, as I said in another forum already, but there are parts which you just have to study. Chess is a pattern recognition game, not a game in which you can freestyle and hope for the best, you asked for an advice and I gave you some.
"Why call it mindless? It's like calling people who study a subject at a university a mindless zombie, because they dedicate themselves to learn the stuff they're studying."
For me it takes the fun out of the game... I like to plan and think (and trying to outhink my opponent). If I already know the best move or "right move", there is no thinking involved? For me chess should be fun; unlike most university studies. 😁
I respect your opinion, I play chess for fun as well, as I said in another forum already, but there are parts which you just have to study. Chess is a pattern recognition game, not a game in which you can freestyle and hope for the best, you asked for an advice and I gave you some.
Thanks, I still appreciate it. Bottom line: memorization is key. From my perspective, I am still going to try and avoid end games by trying to force a check mate in the middle game. ;-)
It's not the most optimal way to mate, but if it works for you and you have fun doing it, go ahead. If you like sacrificing pieces, feel free to try the Halloween Gambit. 
Are there general principles for the end game (like there is for the opening) instead of mindlessly memorising how to check mate with each combination of pieces?
of course! lichess has a practice page, go check it out!
It's not the most optimal way to mate, but if it works for you and you have fun doing it, go ahead. If you like sacrificing pieces, feel free to try the Halloween Gambit.
There's also a really fun and sacrificial line in the Torre Attack where you sack pretty much everything for checkmate. Here's a video from Remote Chess Academy on it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQznba5mPx4&ab_channel=RemoteChessAcademy
Endgames call for a LOT of calculation power too, not just book knowledge. Understanding also plays a role. It's hard to remember the right techniques, if you don't understand why they are right.
Some of the most important concepts in endgames are opposition and zugzwang.
Endgames call for a LOT of calculation power too, not just book knowledge. Understanding also plays a role. It's hard to remember the right techniques, if you don't understand why they are right.
Some of the most important concepts in endgames are opposition and zugzwang.
To piggyback on that point, you have to drill these concepts into your mind in practical games/puzzles. Opposition has saved a lot of games for me (as well as cost me many games), so make sure you're aware of these small details that may separate you from your opponents.
maybe dvoretsky's endgame manuel is good for advanced players for others Silman's complete endgame course is good
What are the most important endgames to learn as an intermediate player? (1500) Perhaps at this level certain endgames aren't as important to learn as concepts, so perhaps those as well?
What are the most important endgames to learn as an intermediate player? (1500) Perhaps at this level certain endgames aren't as important to learn as concepts, so perhaps those as well?
As far as theoretical endgames go, some of the best to learn are Philidor postion, lucena position, vancura position, and some basic king and pawn endgames
What are the most important endgames to learn as an intermediate player? (1500) Perhaps at this level certain endgames aren't as important to learn as concepts, so perhaps those as well?
At 1500, I don’t think you should worry about memorizing super obscure theoretical endgames. Focus on mastering key pawn and rook endgames, and especially on understanding the principles that guide play when there are only a few pieces left. Endgames don’t have to be boring, they can actually be really fun when you start recognizing patterns and seeing the logic behind them. The most important concepts at our level, I think, are zugzwangs, triangulation, distraction tactics, knowing when to trade and how to create a passed pawn. Another important thing is to know pawnless draws, e.g. rook vs bishop, rook vs knight, rarely, they can be a win for the side with the rook, so it's good to know them. My last advice would be to also study the basic endgames, like Lucena, Phillidor or the Frontal Defense.
100 endgames you must know from Jesus de la Villa, is the perfect book and I think probably the most useful for chess players, it is a must read if you want to improve your endgames
LOve dat book
Are there general principles for the end game (like there is for the opening) instead of mindlessly memorising how to check mate with each combination of pieces?
You can learn basic concepts for endgames. Like the strenghts of every Piece and how It IS better to coordinate them in each situation. I Will do a video on that.
It seems like a complex and interesting topic. After doing that I Will focus on specific endgames
Are there general principles for the end game (like there is for the opening) instead of mindlessly memorising how to check mate with each combination of pieces?
You can learn basic concepts for endgames. Like the strenghts of every Piece and how It IS better to coordinate them in each situation. I Will do a video on that.
That will be nice, thank you... :-)
Are there general principles for the end game (like there is for the opening) instead of mindlessly memorising how to check mate with each combination of pieces?
Why call it mindless? It's like calling people who study a subject at a university a mindless zombie, because they dedicate themselves to learn the stuff they're studying.