An opening database is possible, because the beginning position is the same. But an endgame database is not possible, as the variety of positions is mind-boggling. Why, for only 2 kings and 1 pawn endings alone, the number of possible positions are close to 208,308!
What you can do is consult an authoritative book on endings (e.g.: Basic Chess Endings by Ruben Fine - there are several others). Practicing against the computer may help, but I do not know which softwares excel in endings.
"But an endgame database is not possible, as the variety of positions is mind-boggling."
On the contrary, there ARE endgame databases. They have pre-calculated the best move in any position with 5 pieces left on the board, along with the expected result. Also, 208k is a very low number for rows in a DB. A high number would be perhaps 100 Billion.
"But an endgame database is not possible, as the variety of positions is mind-boggling."
On the contrary, there ARE endgame databases. They have pre-calculated the best move in any position with 5 pieces left on the board, along with the expected result. Also, 208k is a very low number for rows in a DB. A high number would be perhaps 100 Billion.
can u give a link to one ozzie c cobbleplot?
Do a google search for "chess endgame tablebase" and there are several links. One that looks good (without going there) is the lokasoft.nl link.
I found a site that can figure out any end game 3-6 pieces perfetly! The player sets up the position. Then you click evaluate and it does it to perfection.I'm using it to build end game files.So it can be done.
This ---> http://www.k4it.de/index.php?topic=egtb&lang=en <---- is put together by the people that made the Shredder chess engine. It's like the lokasoft tablebase server only even easier to use. Just drag some pieces onto the board, wait a little while at first (because at the start of each session the table bases have to load)... once the bases are loaded the server responds lightning quick. Move pieces and you get instant feedback. Great way to learn K and Pawn endings, and distant opposition etc. A maximum of six total pieces allowed, including Kings.
For endgame study there's the endgame explorer at Chessgames.com -- you can't make moves and get analysis... but you can study master games and their endings. I think it's only accessible to paying members though.
One of the easiest and most sensible things to do is to set-up endings against a chess engine, like Toga II or Fritz, and play both sides of the ending against the computer. You'll get instant analysis as you play.
"But an endgame database is not possible, as the variety of positions is mind-boggling."
On the contrary, there ARE endgame databases. They have pre-calculated the best move in any position with 5 pieces left on the board, along with the expected result. Also, 208k is a very low number for rows in a DB. A high number would be perhaps 100 Billion.
I stand corrected
Thanks for all the comments above but I'm confused by FEN strings. The web sites referred to above do not seem to let me drag pieces onto the board. Instead, I need to input a FEN string. I'm too lazy to learn FEN strings! Sorry. I'd like to analyse my games where I have lost when I think I may have drawn e.g. king and pawn versus king and pawn. Any other websites recommended?
U want to learn guys? why dont you join the Endgame Lovers? We got EXACTLY what you said. We got simulators, puzzles, discussions, theory, vote chess, team matches and much, much more!
http://www.chess.com/groups/home/endgame-lovers
Please can we have an endgame database, along the same lines as the game explorer? The game explorer is really useful but I need to practice my endgames. All I want is to be able to click and drag some pieces onto the board and have some helpful analysis. I've looked on the interweb but it's all funny tables and codes.