Endgame Challenge [Paperback]

John Nunn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2003

John Nunn presents 250 challenging positions where your task is to find a cunning way to win or draw. In many cases the odds against success seem overwhelming, yet by using all the tactical resources in the position it is possible to achieve the goal. The studies were subjected to a rigorous checking procedure, during which thousands of unsatisfactory positions were weeded out. The 250 studies finally selected represent some of the finest creations of composers such as Kasparian, Troitsky, Pogosiants, Mitrofanov, Chéron and Réti. Nunn's detailed solutions contain many points and clarifications that have hitherto gone unmentioned, so readers will rarely be left to wonder whether their intended solution really did work. In an over-the-board game, the ability to use the pieces in harmony is paramount, and those players who can exploit every resource in a position are those who become champions. While the focus in this book is on tactics, readers will also develop a greater understanding of many important endgame topics, such as fortresses, stalemate defences, the opposition and zugzwang.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dr John Nunn is one of the best-respected figures in world chess. He was among the world's leading grandmasters for nearly twenty years, winning four gold medals in chess Olympiads and finishing sixth overall in the World Cup in 1989. He is a much-acclaimed writer, whose works have won 'Book of the Year' awards in several countries. In 2004, 2007 and 2010 Nunn was crowned World Chess Solving Champion, ahead of many former champions.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Gambit Publications (May 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1901983838
• ISBN-13: 978-1901983838
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,940,218 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Quality work, but there are better ways improve endgame!, September 23, 2002

By 

Igor Khmelnitsky (Philadelphia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Endgame Challenge (Paperback)

Content:
Nunn has selected 250 studies, checked them thoroughly using the best chess engines and annotated the positions in great details (approx. 75% of the book is just solutions). Majority of positions look like something that can happen in the real game, however, there are several "weird" looking setups. I consider myself very experienced in practical studies. I believe that solving clever practical study will improve your Endgame knowledge as well as enhance your calculation skills. I have constantly utilized studies in my personal training as well as with my students. I have to admit that the of the number of studies that I tried to solve from Nunn's book, almost all were very challenging and not as entertaining as I would expect.

Quality:
Certainly, this book is very high quality - both presentation and content. Nunn claims to have extensively check every study using the latest and strongest chess software available.

Who will benefit:
Composition/studies aficionado will enjoy this book. Also, extremely high rated player (GM or close strength) who run out of challenging studies to work on.

Overall:
I think that 99% of active players - from beginners through GMs will benefit much more from studying various Endgame books (including some of Nunn's own) then by studying this particular Nunn's book. The reason is that all good endgame books include practical studies and eliminate weird once, while mixing in some important theory. Also solutions are a lot more realistic and involve some strategic planning in addition to pure calculation that is common to studies. Thus you would improve your endgame skills and train calculation skills at once.

When I saw a title "Endgame Challenge" I was expecting a work similar to the book by John Hall with identical name. While not perfect, that book is one of my favorite Endgame exercise books. All of my students own it and utilize it a lot. In addition, you should have a good theory book - works of Fine, Averbach and Alburt (depending on your level) are among my favorite. Also, new book Fundamental Chess Endgames looks very interesting. I would also strongly recommend "Studies" CD from ChessAssistant.

Good luck!
Copyrighted by me!

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars studies explained in detail, March 12, 2005

By 

Ken Braithwaite (inkster, MI USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Endgame Challenge (Paperback)

Not an explicitly instuctive book, but a detailed explanation of 200 high quality studies. For those who value beauty and tactics in chess.