The importance of Endgame study in Chess development

After studying games from old chess grandmasters and using a "guess-the-move" feature, I observed a notable pattern in my ability to anticipate moves. During the opening phase, I could predict a good number of moves accurately, and my guesses in the middlegame were also fairly successful. However, when it came to the endgame, my performance dropped significantly; replicating the grandmasters' moves was exceptionally challenging. This experience has led me to consider that the primary skill gap between chess players—especially between intermediate players and advanced players—may lie in endgame proficiency. Intermediate players often prioritize openings and middlegame tactics, but shifting focus to endgames might be crucial for improvement. Mastering the complexities of endgames could provide the missing piece needed for substantial progress. Best regards.

Yes, endgame play is what differenciates strong players. Endgame principles are different than opening principles. For exaple, most important opening principle is “get you king to safety”, instead most important endgame principle is “activate your king”. Also passed pawns are extremely important in endgames.

Every good chess player must know basic pawn endgames and two rook endgame positions: sixth rank defense and building the bridge.

Yes

But you can use endgame knowledge only if you get to endgame with more or less even material. Most of your games are decided by middlegame blunders so i would recommend you playing longer time controls (at least 10+5, better 15+10)