100 endgames you must know: the first exercices are very difficult !?

Hello, 
I'm starting to learn about endgames with the book "100 endgames you need to know".
I just finished the 1st part on elementary endgames and I find the 1st exercises discouraging.

For example 2.04,

the solution is "1...Re1! As they cannot reach Philidor's position, Black takes Kling and Horwitz's position. See endgame 56"

I've never heard of either Philidor's or K&H's position before. How am I supposed to solve these "elementary problems"?

Does the entire book have similar exercises? Is this book not suitable as a first book on finals?

Thank you for your insights!

Hello Mandallaz,

I can recommend 2 books for learning the finals:

https://www.amazon.fr/Entra%C3%AEnement-aux-finales-Bernd-Rosen/dp/2916340408

https://www.amazon.fr/100-finales-quil-faut-conna%C3%AEtre/dp/2916340653

Many positions are explained. Added to this are exercises that will allow you to familiarize yourself with the endgame patterns.

I think these 2 books approach the topic of finals gradually and should probably work better for you.

This one is exactly the one I have and the topic of this thread :-)

I found it way to difficult.

Agreed, this is an excellent book.

I also like John Bartholomew's videos on Rook and Pawn endgames - for example, here is one on the Philidor position mentioned in the original post:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkP44VKT9Rw

I hope you find this helpful @Mandallaz - I've heard that the "100 Endgames" book is relatively advanced. There's no point in persisting with material that is too difficult, you need to be working on things that are right for you at your current level of understanding.

In 100 endgames you must know, the authors decided to start with a "basic test" section to assess your knowledge of the endgames. I found it weird too because it does not make a lot of sense to make a test on theory you haven't learned yet.

After this chapter however, the author explains the basic endings, so I would suggest skipping this chapter.

If you think this book is still too hard, try Silman’s Complete Endgame Course it's easier.

I’ve never picked up 100 endgames you must know, but I have read Silman’s endgame course and I can only recommend it. I don’t think I’ve ever heard someone speak poorly about that book, it’s a masterpiece.