How can I improve my endgame technique?

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KovenFan

First of all, two very bad games by me.

Both games also showcase that I have a problem with finding knockout moves at the right times but I'm trying to focus on how I can play these endgames better. I know there are many books on theoretical endgames that are a lot more concrete  on how you're  supposed to play them, but what about playing endgames in general/converting advantages. How can I work on that?

Anixton_likes_kids

https://www.chess.com/drills

KovenFan
toxic-rabbit wrote:

Seems like a neat way. Unfortunately I don't have a paid membership.

PhamtomMenace

You have to respect the passed pawn! You cannot think about grabbing the enemy's stray pawns if they are simply going to queen.

In the first game, your b7 pawn has practically no chance of promoting. You are down a pawn. After 38...Nd7, you have to worry about ...Kb6 coming. Generally, if you are behind, you should be trading pawns, not pieces. Besides, rather than 43 Ne5, I would have played 43 Ne7 instead to counterattack and win back a pawn.

In the second game, you have to make up your mind after White's 39 Rxd2. You know what they say: "A bad plan is better than no plan". White's rook was simply more active than yours. Your e6 pawn was the last bit of glue that was holding your shaky position. I would have kept my king near e6 and used my rook to go after his pawns instead. Yes, that means forgetting about the h5 pawn, but activity is key. White is using his long ranged piece to pick off the enemy's weak pawns. Black is using his long ranged piece to babysit one pawn.

DasBurner

just put an endgame into the engine and play against the computer I guess

like just set up an endgame like that and play it out against the computer

RussBell

Many instructive resources for improving endgame play here...

Improving Your Chess - Resources for Beginners and Beyond...

https://www.chess.com/blog/RussBell/improving-your-chess-resources-for-beginners-and-beyond

MegaCharizardLeo

Read articles, do lessons, read chess books, study master games, etc.

KovenFan

Thanks to everyone for all the advice. Tbh these endgames were played with about 5 seconds on the clock and I think I would've done better if it was a longer time control. I'm also considering getting Karsten Muller's endgame book which looks like what I'm looking for.

RichColorado

tijanamandura

https://www.chess.com/blog/TijanaBlagojevic/how-to-improve-chess-endgame