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Basic Endgame Strategy

by S. Evan Kreider

Introduction

After learning the rules, it’s customary to learn the basic elements of endgame strategy. This often strikes novices as odd. Wouldn’t it make more sense to start at, you know, the beginning of the game? That is, wouldn’t it make more sense to learn a little about opening strategy first?

However, there is a sort of logic to beginning with the endgame. If the point of the game is to win, then it’s important to know a little about the simplest sorts of wins (and draws, and losses) which can occur, as well as how to play them. The endgame also presents an opportunity to demonstrate the power of some of the individual pieces by seeing them operate in relative isolation, since most endings involve positions with relatively few pieces on the board.

We’ll begin by looking at several of the simplest types of checkmates. These typically involve using only two or three pieces to force checkmate against an opponent’s bare King.

Next: Basic Mates - King & 2 Rooks v. King