Endgame Strategy (Paperback)

~ Mikhail Shereshevsky (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, Russian (translation) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

Shereshevsky's masterful guide to endgame play is an essential work for every aspiring player. Using classic examples from grandmaster practice, together with modern illustrations and instructive games by lesser-known players, Shereshevsky lucidly explains the basic principles of the endgame: King centralization, the role of pawns, exchanging pieces, suppressing counterplay, two weaknesses...and much more. International Master Mikhail Shereshevsky is one of the strongest players from Byelorussia. He is a highly regarded trainer and author whose two-volume work (with Leonid Slutsky) Mastering the Endgame was also translated by Ken Neat.

Product Details

• Paperback: 228 pages
• Publisher: Everyman Chess; 1st edition (April 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1857440633
• ISBN-13: 978-1857440638
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #341,126 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very fine endgame book, August 5, 1998

By A Customer

Actually, I'd have normally given this book four stars, but my purpose is to counterbalance the review below. As he stated, Shereshevsky (the real author -- Mr. Neat was the translator) organizes the endgames by themes, but in a very instructive way: The progression from the apparently simple to the truly complex leads the student along in a way that is most productive. Unlike some tomes like Basic Chess Endings, this book is meant to be studied, not used as a reference. The fact that one can actually sense that he is making progress makes this a truly unique book. Jeremy Silman called it one of the three best engame books for the aspiring player (along with Soltis' most recent book on endings -- also excellent, and a book by James Howell that I have not yet seen). Silman thinks a thorough read of these three books could give the average Joe a 2400 player's understanding of the endings. Shereshevsky is more than an editor here -- he is a teacher, and a good one at that.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Great Classics of Chess Literature!!, February 1, 2005

By	Damon Slye - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book delivers on its title. It is clearly the best book available to teach the 'Big Ideas' in chess endings. These are principles that can be used to guide the player on how to approach an ending. It's not about the details (though of course the details are addressed in the examples-- in chess, strategy must always be implemented with great attention to details).

Here are some examples of these principles: "Centralization of the King" (chapter 2); "Do not Hurry" (ch.5); "Schematic Thinking" (ch.6); "The Principle of Two Weaknesses" (ch.7); and "The Two Bishops" (ch.11).

I made an effort to improve my endgame play, and I was able to bring my playing strength up to 2200 USCF/FIDE; and this was one of the key books in my training program. However this book should not be used as the sole training manual. An excellent program to improve endings would be:
"Essential Chess Endings", by Jeremy Silman-- an excellent primer
"Capablanca's Best Chess Endings", by Irving Chernev (Capablanca's games form the most clear example of correct endgame play)
"Practical Chess Endings", by Irving Chernev (a series of puzzles-- a very practical way to improve your play)
and this classic by Shereshevsky.

One caveat: this book is probably one of the more advanced books on chess endings, so I would recommend it only to players with a playing strength of 1600 and up.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Accessible And Interesting, August 31, 1999

By A Customer

Organizing his material thematically (e.g. "problem of exchanging," "suppressing the opponent's counterplay"), the author has assembled a great intermediate level endgame book. It's probably best suited for those who've had some previous exposure to endgame study previously but who need more intermediate books. I'd recommend Silman's Essential Endgames, Soltis' Grandmaster Secrets Endings, and Mednis' Rate Your Endgame, as books somewhat more basic than Shereshevsky.