what are you using to learn endgame theory? that's probably my weakest area of play (except for maybe the opening and middlegame).
Endgames-Love 'em or Hate 'em?
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i dunno. i usually lose in the middlegame. but i think that i hate the endgame.
what are you using to learn endgame theory? that's probably my weakest area of play (except for maybe the opening and middlegame).
what are you using to learn endgame theory? that's probably my weakest area of play (except for maybe the opening and middlegame).
I'm starting to love endgame. Knowledge of positions and theory allows me to be confident, and I'm now more comfortable exchanging pieces and going into a favorable endgame for me. It's the best feeling, and my FICS rating is improving (even though it's <1000 
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Oh, I love endgame. More often I lose in the middlegame than in the endgame (provided my opponent and I have the same number of pieces).
End game is a transition from middle game which is again a transition from opening 'all that begins well ends well'. If you think you are strong enough in end game you can quickly exchange pieces and reach the end game players around 1400-1600 rating are generally weak in end games.
Mj
Aug 5, 2007
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#6
i feel like if i get to the endgame then i have failed in my devious middlegame plans :(
Aug 5, 2007
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#7
I don't like much getting in most of the end games, but while I never really checked, I never understood what endgame theory could be about, it's really just about being able to check wether your passed pawn can get to the end, or wether you can force the draw, etc. but I don't know what theory has to do with it?
End game theory is based on the pieces, their relative values and positions For e.g Rook+Pawn Vs Rook endings, B+N Vs Rook endings. Pawn endings are the most complicated especially when there are no pieces on the board except the pawns(ofcourse the kings). One small error in judgement may lead to a draw even if you have an extra pawn.
I certainly agree with Manoj's earlier comment since I fall near the upper part of the 1400-1600 spread, yet I find if I fail to come into endgame with a strong advantage I will either draw or lose. I've been working on Rook+Pawn endings, but I still tend to miss crucial elements that make endgames so tricky; or maybe I just continue to play defensively when I need to play aggressively.
I love endgames because there's something paradoxical and beautiful about a position that contains only a few simple pieces and yet is marvelously complex. It's also the phase where I do best against opponents. For example, today I chose to enter an endgame with a Rook & 6 Pawns vs a Rook, Knight & 6 Pawns and achieved an instructional draw against an opponent who made no tactical errors.
One thing that's really hard for people to wrap their brains around is the fact that the endgame is a matter of technique. Its basic principles have been understood for hundreds of years, long before correct opening play. Chess players are used to a wealth of options, but in the endgame there often only one or two correct lines of play. Some people actually feel insulted or degraded when I tell them: "there is only one correct line here."
As for playing endgames, I often feel like I am in a fog. I feel like I know what to do according to the endgame studies I have gone over, but I can never see what's going to happen very far down the way. Check out my game with jay "Quite a game" in the game analysis forum. You can see me blunder an endgame lead away with lack of forsight.
I like the end-game. Many players do not take the time to appreciate the subtleties of this part of the game, and once you take them there, it's just a matter of time until they realize they are lost.
I was down a piece and a pawn into the endgame, but managed to win. I don't know if it was my opponent's lack of skill or my basic endgame skills, but it was very satisfying. I'll post it up later.
As you said sprite, I love the endgames too, It's the part were you can turn the tables. Endgames happened to me when I failed to mate my opponent in the middle game strategies. Some chess engines are poor in endgames, this advantage is somehow a key for you to win the game.
Aug 28, 2007
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#15
The endgame is the most exciting part of the game but also the most irritating. Not being able to finish off an opponent, or getting that feeling that a loss is forthcoming...frustrating.
"The outcome might be obvious but i can't see it" This is a message i left during an endgame yesterday. Perplexing for me at the moment as i don't want to "push wood" around for a slow death after the thrills of the middle game. Ps. My opponent replied "Neither can I" so all to play for. 
I've just started learning basic endgame theory, and I think it's pretty interesting stuff. I'm fascinated with how people incorrectly evaluate their losing positions as winning, and with correct play, you can turn the tables and win in the endgame. I figured that considering most of my games (assuming I don't get crushed) rarely end in the middle game, I ought to learn some endgame principles. So far, they've been much more fun (and interesting) to learn than openings, and are right up there with tactics and mate in 2/3/4's.
I was just curious to see how others feel about endgames.