Endgame books

I don't own FCE so I can't comment on it, but here are some comments from people who have read it (1st link) and other hopefully useful links for you. I do own BCE and don't think you could go wrong purchasing a cheap used PB copy for a good one volume endgame reference work. BUT, to start learning how to play endgames I think you'd need something in conjunction with BCE, such as GM Keres "Practical Chess Endings" - or maybe FCE, depending on what other respondents have to say here.

http://www.amazon.com/Fundamental-Chess-Endings-Karsten-Muller/dp/1901983536

http://www.amazon.com/Basic-Chess-Endings-Reuben-Fine/product-reviews/0812934938/ref=sr_1_1_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chess_endgame_literature

http://blog.chess.com/NimzoRoy/endgame-books

This one is also a classic:

http://www.amazon.com/Endgame-Strategy-Cadogan-Chess-Books/dp/1857440633/ref=pd_sim_b_12

But the thing is, I have an access to books I mentioned in #1 and would like to know, which is better in your opinion.

I never read FCE but I own and use BCE, use BCE to research specific endgames not covered in FCE or that are covered in greater detail IF you have the time. Remember, BCE is like a dictionary or encyclopedia, it's meant to be a reference work for endgames not a "How To" or "Learn the Endgame" type of book - unless you can read it on a full-time basis!

Try reading up on something both books cover and see which approach you like better - or maybe you'll like them both.

Start out by learning all the basic checkmates and then start studying K+P endgames, with divergences for other types of endgames as they come up in your own games. R+P endgames are by far and away the most common, Q+P endgames are relatively rare. See my endgame blogs for more info

http://blog.chess.com/RoboRoy   GOOD LUCK!

ajmeroski, you should look for other endgame books. Those two you mentioned are quite boring. They ar thick, too much material for you level (~1300) You'll skip a lot of pages.

It would be more interesting that you asked about Keres vs Silman :)