Wins From Inferior Position

In the endgame, I'd say a lot depends on the position. In an open endgame Bishops rule, of course. In a closed one, I'd take a Knight over a Bishop anytime for any task.

Yes, and great endgames don't just appear. They have to be created - by systematically realizing your advantages, nurturing your position, and keeping counterplay to a minimum. For example, in anticipation of the endgame, you try to exchange as many pawns as possible to improve your bishop.

Which brings the point that advantages cannot be maintained by simply "avoiding mistakes". It takes real effort - they say that the hardest thing to do is to win a won position.

And I maintain that the only way your opponent can make things difficult is by playing for complications or by trying a cheap shot. In either case, simplify the position and consolidate and you will win. (assuming that your advantage is decisive)

I can't tell. People do lose superior positions  ecause of blunders. When people are winning, they often relax and play weakly. I've seen examples of master games where this occurs.

All positions are taken from Silman's Complete Endgame Course.

Theme 1: Advantages That Require Really Hard Work

• Minor Piece Endgame, especially the dreaded Opposite Color Bishop Endgame
  
• Extra pawns are often indecisive, because MPE's are very dependant on King position and other subtle factors
• Also, the pure K+B/N vs K endgame is a draw

Theme 2: Drawing From An Inferior Position

• Rook and pawn endings often draw, even with an extra pawn. There is even a saying that "All Rook and Pawn endings are drawn."
• RPE's are very dependant on Rook Position, and in some cases, King position.
• The inferior side has two powerful resources: "Eternal Rook Checks", and "Cutting off the Enemy King"
  

Theme 3: Wins From An Inferior Position

• This is an ultra rare situation. However, whenever it does occur, it usually involves pawns.
  
• This is because pawns are simulataneously the best and worst pieces in chess: starting at 1 pt, yet potentially ending at 9 (queen)
• This provides the defender one of the very few ways to reverse a material disadvantage.
  

@insanechess: And I maintain that the only way your opponent can make things difficult is by playing for complications or by trying a cheap shot. In either case, simplify the position and consolidate and you will win. (assuming that your advantage is decisive)

A decisive advantage, by definition, is one where the superior side wins against any and all defences. Therefore, in such cases, the way to win involves:

• Playing the winning line (duh!)
• Even if it involves entering complications.
• But you avoid complications when you can do so. Just to preserve your sanity.
• Simplification is not always the best way of exploiting a material advantage.
• Everything depends on the position. There is no such thing as a hard-and-fast rule.