Unlock the secrets to winning more chess games by mastering the endgame! This episode dives into Jesus de la Villa's essential guide, "100 Endgames You Must Know". We explore the book's purpose: to help players significantly improve their endgame technique by focusing on the most practical and frequently encountered positions. Discover why dedicating time to this phase is crucial, with stats showing a large percentage of games ending here. De la Villa's selection of 100 key endgames prioritizes positions that appear often, are clear to analyze, and contain ideas applicable elsewhere. Learn about foundational concepts like the Rule of the Square and Key Squares, critical defenses like the Philidor and Lucena Positions in Rook + Pawn vs. Rook endings, the unique challenges of the Rook's Pawn, and strategies for cutting off the enemy king. The book emphasizes a slow, deliberate study process and the power of 'doing' – working through examples and exercises to truly understand and remember the techniques. Whether you're striving for a higher rating or just want to stop losing those crucial half-points, this overview highlights a vital resource for any serious chess player.

References:

Villa, de la J. (2008). 100 endgames you must know. New In Chess.