Mark Dvororetskys endgame manual is on a really high level, and besides from the first few pages, there is very little in there aimed at a beginner or intermediate player.
which endgame book first?
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First one to read: Pandolfini's Endgame book
First one to buy: More great options. Silman's
http://www.amazon.com/Silmans-Complete-Endgame-Course-Beginner/dp/1890085103
is liked by many here, and I know of a 1900 USCF who loves it, so let's call that one a reasonable option.
So borrow the Pandolfini from someone or the library and if you feel like more after this simple book, then you can buy a good one of your choice--and there are a few to pick from.
Here's a recent thread with info on endgame books
http://www.chess.com/forum/view/chess-equipment/endgame-books2
When I first started aquiring chess books ( back in the early 70s ) I recall some of my earliest endgame books. I remember two of my favorites from decades ago. One was by Keres and titled Practical Chess Endings and the other was Essential Chess Endings by Averbakh , if memory serves...... I am not familiar with more recent books that cover the endings but for 1 or 2.
I also recall getting Fine's Basic Chess Endings and being overwhelmed by the sheer amount of material !! I do NOT recommend his book to beginners ! Its a reference work anyway and not much value as a teaching source imo....
Definately the 100 must know endgames. I got Dvoretskys endgame manual but before going through it skimmed/re-read seriwans winning chess endgame book and went though all the puzzles in "practical chess endings."
Dvoretsky's book is fantastic, but almost so much as to be a reference book -- even so, I definitely recommend going through the whole thing -- there's no way I absorbed all of it the first time, but my play noticably improved. (Which is the great thing about studying endgames is it improves your entire play, not just in endgames).
When you do get into Dvoretsky's book, don't get discouraged :) the first chapter is probably the hardest (or it was for me). I still have trouble finding corresponding squares and all that. Also the rook chapter seemed to last forever. In the end it was worth it though.
thanks guys i appreciate the help
Silmans for sure. it goes by level so you can always build up
Dec 18, 2009
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#9
I have the updated and corrected BCE but still not for beginners. It is fun however. I always liked Keres' book. "Purdy on the Endgame" by CJS Purdy is good as well. The sections Lasker and Capablanca put in their primers is also valuable or Howowitz How to win the in the chess ending. As endgames don't change much old endgame books retain their value. You should be able to find a good variety at a good price through used book stores and sites. Just going through a endgame column on a regular basis can make a world of difference.
I have two endgame books right now, 100 endgames you must know by gm jesus de la villa and Dvoretskys endgame manual, which one should i go through first.