Chess Endgame Facts, Trivia & Famous Endgame Knowledge
This page is the “supporting facts” library for endgames — the kind of knowledge that boosts authority, fills gaps, and gives you extra confidence when studying technique.
The goal of endgame study isn’t memorising 1,000 positions. It’s learning the recurring decision rules (activity, king centralisation, pawn structure, and trading).
Endgame Tablebases (Perfect Play)
Tablebases are databases of solved endgame positions (perfect play) up to a certain number of pieces. They transformed endgame study by confirming truths, correcting myths, and revealing surprising resources.
Famous Quotes on the Endgame
"If you want to win at chess, begin with the ending." – Irving Chernev
"The endgame is as important as the opening and middlegame." – David Bronstein
"All rook and pawn endings are drawn." – Siegbert Tarrasch (semi-serious)
Recommended Endgame Books
- Dvoretsky's Endgame Manual – Mark Dvoretsky
- Basic Chess Endings – Reuben Fine & Pal Benko
- 100 Endgames You Must Know – Jesús de la Villa
- Silman's Complete Endgame Course – Jeremy Silman
Top Endgame Tips Players Forget
Rooks belong behind passed pawns (yours or theirs)
This helps both support your pawn advance and stop the opponent’s pawn efficiently.
In rook endgames: activity usually beats “extra pawn”
Many winning endgames are thrown away because the rook becomes passive.
Opposite-coloured bishops: extra pawns often don’t win
They are drawish because the defender can build a blockade on the opposite colour complex.
Don’t rush pawn pushes
Pawn moves can’t be taken back. One careless push creates a permanent weakness.
Endgame Trivia & Fun Facts
Use these as “memory hooks” — fun facts that make serious ideas easier to remember.
Two bishops can force mate
Two bishops + king can checkmate a lone king; two knights cannot force mate without help.
The 50-move rule exists because of endgames
Endgames can be technically winning but extremely long; rules prevent endless play.
Lucena & Philidor are the rook endgame “ABCs”
They represent core winning and core drawing technique patterns.
Endgame studies are a separate art form
Composed positions teach themes like zugzwang, fortresses, and underpromotion.
Continue Your Study
- Chess Endgames Guide Hub – Principles, Techniques & Winning Examples
- Chess Endgame Definition – What it is and when it begins
- Rook Endgames
- Opposition and Zugzwang
This page is the endgame ‘facts + authority’ support article. Link it from the endgame hub when you want extra trust and depth.
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