Customer Reviews

Endgame Secrets: How to Plan in the Endgame in Chess

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This is a collection of concrete analysis of different endgame positions produced in several training sessions with IM-level players. This means quality and reliability of the analyses and fresh material. In several cases former judgements and evaluations are corrected. Lutz' first book is a little bit like the author himself: correct, dry and with not too many words. The plus: You will improve your endgame knowledge and moreover your tactical and analytical skill by working through this book - as it is with every serious work on chess. The minus: There are few verbal explanations about the basics of that certain endgame-type and few guidance or abstracts for your practical play in similar situations. Moreover the chosen 40 positions are only a short glimpse into the world of endgame-magic. I would recommend it only to experts.

This work is an analysis of complex practical endgames that occured in tournament practice. These types of endgames are probably the best for improving your own play, as the simple theoretical endings found in BCE and FCE can only take your play so far. The work is fairly short on words, but I suspect this is done in order to help the author remain objective since the games under discussion are his own. This book expects you to think hard about the game, but will almost certainly improve your play. BTW, Silman and John Watson both suggest this book to students interested in improving their endgame skills.