Simple Winning Endgames

What this book teaches

114 simple endgames. Two chapters: Red to move and win (81), Red to move and draw (33).

Not mate patterns. You practise the verdict: can this be won, or only drawn?

Ask: is this a win or a draw — and what is the key technique?

What you will get

• Tell a win from a draw when few pieces remain
• A few basic techniques: advancing a pawn, squeezing the king, holding a draw
• Not turning a win into a draw by checking too soon

Step 1 — Win or draw?

The chapter already says the result. Still ask yourself:

① What do you have more of — pawn, horse, cannon, or the position? ② Where can their king run? Are advisors and elephants still on? ③ If you go wrong, can they draw or even win?

Know the verdict, then find the way.

Step 2 — Find the technique, not a quick mate

① Do you need to check, or a slow move — pawn, advisor? ② In a draw: which move holds, which move ruins it? ③ When done: if you change one move, does the result change?

Good endgame play is the right tempo, not an early check.

What order to study?

Wins first — get used to forcing the win. Then draws — harder, because you must restrain yourself and not grab.

Finish this book before Clever Practical Endgames or the Practical Endgame volumes. You need not memorise the poetic titles — remember the technique.

Three things when you solve

1. Play it yourself. Open the line only when stuck. 2. Each problem, ask again: win or draw? What if you go wrong? 3. 114 positions are the foundation. Learn the technique; don’t memorise moves.