Customer Reviews

How to Play Chess Endings

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a classic endgame text. Znosko-Borovsky is a smooth, lucid writer. All the basic endgames are given. He concentrates on logical thinking in the endgame, analysing a position, and developing a plan of action. The emphasis is on aims, plans, and ideas, rather than on reams of varitions. If you want that kind of book, pick up Fine's Basic Chess Endings or the series by Averbach. But these books are dull, tedious and for masters and above. Even experts would get a lot out of this book. The value is excellent as well. The best way to improve is to concentrate your study on endings (most people play them quite badly) and tactics. Forget those opening books. (CFC Expert)

If you really want to increase your endgame strength then use this book. The examples are clear, concise and easy to understand without being boring (Unlike the Averbach Essential chess endgame book). Also the book is a great value.
Although a bit dated and using Descriptive notion the examples come from pre 1950 and include, Alekhine, Capablanca, Rubenstein, Euwe Botvinnik, Keres etc all greats of the endgame. I have found this to be the easiest book from which to assimilate the required practical knowledge. It was way ahead of its time and includes the theory of corresponding squares which is often only included in advanced texts. Once this book is finished your endgame practical skill will be at the master level. I would also recommend that you also use the Hooper Pocket book of Endgames for additional examples for study.

This is a great book...really helpful...The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is that the chaper on Rook endings is occasionaly not clear enough (It is apparently targeted towards a more sophisticated reader - I am a beginner-intermediate player) This chapter could use some improvement. Still I am extremely happy with this purchase.

This book *explains* the ideas (themas) behind the positions. As many chess masters have stated - it's the study of the end-game that makes you a chess master. This is a good book to start the study. The descriptive (non-algebraic) notation in this book should not deter you - think of it as an additional mental exercise in chess thinking ;)

A useful guide, for when I was interested. If you are going to a club or other place for a game, a convenient small size to brush up on things if you want a refreshers.

Goes over all the major and not so major necessary situations and strengths to understand.