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Endgame Priorities – What to Learn First

• King & Pawn Basics

  Learn opposition, triangulation, and key square theory. These basics form the foundation for all pawn endgames and teach precise calculation.

• Rook Endgame Essentials

  Study Lucena and Philidor positions, as rook endings occur most often in practice. Mastering just a few key patterns dramatically improves results.

• Minor Piece Endgames

  Understand “good knight vs bad bishop” scenarios, opposite-colored bishop draws, and knight outpost techniques. These imbalances are common and practical.

• King Activity

  In endgames, the king is a fighting piece. Prioritize centralization and use your king actively to escort pawns or restrict the enemy king.

• Pawn Majorities & Passed Pawns

  Recognize when you have a pawn majority and convert it into a passed pawn. Passed pawns decide many endgames, especially when supported by active pieces.

• Simplification Techniques

  When ahead, trade into endgames you know are winning. Avoid unnecessary complexity that may allow counterplay or swindles.

• Defensive Resources

  Learn defensive techniques like the “short-side defense” in rook endings or fortress setups in pawn endings. Saving half-points matters as much as winning.

• Convert Small Advantages

  Practice winning slightly better endgames by tightening the screws. These technical skills separate good improvers from casual players.

• Transition Awareness

  Always consider whether exchanges will lead to favorable endgames. Being ready to steer into the right kind of endgame is a powerful skill.

• Model Endgame Study

  Follow master games and classic endgame studies. Exposure to these models gives you patterns that repeat in practical play.