An Introduction to Chess Endgame Studies: The Fine Art of the Royal Game

by Oleg Pervakov, Yochanan Afek (Foreword by)

Overview

The Fine Art of the Endgame Study The chess endgame study has a long and storied history and occupies a unique place in chess because of its similarity to practical play. Many studies contain beautiful ideas and combinations. Solving or even simply playing through endgame studies is an effective method of studying the strategic and tactical elements of play and contributes to the growth of the number of fans of this chess art. However, many chessplayers are unaware or apprehensive of endgame studies. The studies seem to be almost other-worldly. But now, for the first time, a world-class endgame composer explains the basics of studies, from the basic terms and themes, to solving and even composing endgame studies! If you have always wanted to explore endgame studies but thought they were too abstract or difficult, this book is for you. The author breaks down all the basic themes, with examples and clear explanations. The book you are holding – a first of its kind – is a complete practical guide to the wonderland of our fine art aimed at leading you to your upcoming solving and composing adventures by a world class expert – From the Foreword by Yochanan Afek Whether you are seeking to improve your tactical and strategic endgame skills or just wish to enjoy the beauty and aesthetic appeal of endgame studies, let Oleg Pervakov open the door to the fine art of the endgame study.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781963885095
Publisher:	Russell Enterprises, Incorporated
Publication date:	04/25/2025
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	240
File size:	12 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Oleg Pervakov is one of the most distinguished endgame study composers in the world today. In 2005 he was awarded the coveted title of International Grandmaster in Chess Composition.

Read an Excerpt

Battery: Placement of two different pieces of the same color on the same file, rank, or diagonal. The move of the piece that stands closer to the opponent’s king (or other piece) allows the second piece to join the action. Batteries are classified by the closer pieces: there can be king, rook, bishop, knight, or pawn batteries.

M. Miljanic 2015
[diagram]
White to move and win

1.c6+ Ka8!

After 1...Kxa6 2.cxd7+, the pawn and rook battery gets to work.

2.Nc7+!

We give up our own knight instead of capturing the enemy one: 2.Qxd7? Re2+! 3.Kf3 Qf8+ 4.Kxe2 Qf3+! 5.Kxf3, stalemate. 2.cxd7? Qc4+, etc. even loses.

2...Qxc7 3.Rg8+ Rf8!

Going for a different stalemate counterplay. The pin does not protect from the knight check: 3...Nf8 4.Qxc7. Another pin decides matters after 3...Ka7 4.Qxd7 Rf4+ 5.Ke3 Rf7 6.Qd4+!.

4.Rxf8+ Nb8 5.Qh6! (5.Qxc7?, stalemate.) 5...Qh7+!

After 5...Qe7+ 6.Kd5 Qb4 7.Qc1! Black will not be able to resist for long.

6.Rf5!

A beautiful, if forced, queen sacrifice.

6...Qxh6 7.Ra5+ Na6 8.Rxa6+ Kb8

The rook stands on the other side of the pawn, again forming a battery. This time, the blow is fatal.
[diagram]

9.c7+ Kxc7 10.Rxh6 1-0

Battery transformation: The pieces in the initial battery switch places during the play.

An. Kuznetsov, B. Sakharov 1957
[diagram]

White to move and win
The rook and bishop battery shoots immediately.

1.Rd6+!

The c5-pawn is more important than the h3-bishop: 1.Rh5+? Kc7 2.Rxh3 bxc5 with equality.

1...Kb5!

Refusing the bait. After 1...Kxc5, the fifth rank is opened up, and the initial battery strikes again. 2.Rd5+ Kc6 3.Ra5+!, winning the rook. 1...Kc7 2.cxb6+ Kxd6 3.bxa7 is even worse.

2.cxb6 Be6+!

2...Ra1 3.b7 is curtains.

3.Rxe6!

The black rook is under attack, so White can sacrifice his own rook without a second thought. Not 3.Kb2? Ra2+ 4.Kb1 Rh2 5.b7 Rh8=, and 3.Kc3? is even worse due to 3...Ra3+.

3...Rb7!

Black matches White blow for blow. Not 4.Bxb7? dxe6 and the pawn is lost.

4.Re5+! d5!

In the critical position, Black is helped by the problem-like Novotny interference.