Closings

Hello friends,

I am sure all of you have heard of "openings". They are omnipresent in chess, determining the way will be played and sometimes even the result. They are a set of principles(but mostly sequences of moves) that delineate what to play for the first ten or so moves. But what if we applied this strategy to endgames? What masterful players could be created out of this breakthrough? A large amount, indeed. Many tactical geniuses are overlooked simply because their lack of endgame skill stops them from elevating their rating - they can win one game against a player 500 points above them with a beautiful combination, and lose to someone 500 points below them in a pawn endgame. Now, I realize that, because these positions are endgames, pawn structures will vary from game to game. For this reason, I have constructed what I call endgame truths, not to be confused with their lesser counterpart, endgame principles. These endgame truths are very complex, so use them at your own discretion. Here they are, compiled from hours and hours of researching the greatest games:

1. Keep track of your pawns

Never lose sight of your pawns! In an endgame, pawns are much more important than in the opening. If you lose a pawn, you could lose the game! However, because there is so much going in a game of chess, it is understandable that you may not always follow this truth, but try your best! It will get better with practice.

2. Keep your king safe

Now, I know what you are thinking - you have always been taught that it is important to bring your king to the center in the endgame. Though I do not disagree with this, it is also essential to make sure that your king is not checkmated by pawns - this happens more often than you think! Even threats of checkmate can sometimes force you to give up material in the endgame. Because your king is so often in the center, it is understandable that you do not always follow this, but once again, try your best!

3. Maintain Equality

Above all, always make sure that the position is equal with no imbalances. You may say, "But what if i have an advantage?" Well, it is always better to draw than to risk losing, so never go into complications. Since endgames are often done under time pressure, it is always good to make the most predictable moves. The less difference there is between your position and the opponents, the more you will understand the moves they make and what they are trying to achieve. This can also be hard at times, but stick with it, and you will be greatly rewarded!

4. Always take pawns at any cost

This is a rather hard lesson to grasp - it may feel awkward sacrificing your pieces for one or two pawns, but as stated before, pawns are the most important pieces in the endgame. This is because of their special ability, promotion. As a pawn advances through the board, it becomes increasingly dangerous and more valuable. In fact, according to, thechessworld, in the 6th principle of their article named "Endgame Principles", it is stated that a pawn on the 7th rank is worth a rook. A rook! And it has not even been promoted yet! Now it doesn't seem so crazy to exchange a bishop for it, does it? And of course, once it reaches the 8th rank, it is worth a queen - often, it is worth even more, since it has already infiltrated the enemy's position! 

I hope all of these endgame truths will help you in your journey as a chess player!

bump

bump x2.  does no one really have anything  to say? 

the third bump, as threefold carries a certain conjuration

"anything"

15 points for creativity

i am unaware of what you have said, Ronald

Could I be enlightened

yes, he did.

No he didn’t

pushwood, reveal this knowledge at once. 

Hear! Hear!

<walking away>

Middlings...The Jan Brady of chess.

Openings = Cindy.

Middlings = Jan.

Closings = Marcia.

The more you grow, the more you know.  Theres some zen stuff in there i think...

The part of the game that way to many people waste way to much time on.  When we were young, we thought Cindy was the "cute one"  But you outgrew her, and then realized Jan and those glasses was "da bomb" Then you finally matured, and BAM...here comes Marcia with that uber cool 70's hair.   

Yep!  That v-thingy!

Not again. Please, I would like to know what riury has said as well