Basic Chess Endgames

Basic Chess Endgames

How to trap your opponent neatly and make a checkmate? Some players fail to defeat the enemy with few pieces left on the board. Sometimes they lose even though they have had an advantage! There are some basic chess endgames patterns that will help you out.

We’ve described several situations that might happen during the last stage of the match. If this is not enough, try the link at the end of the article. It leads to other vital materials soaking up.

The Key Rule

The Key Rule

Don’t lose patience when you see the opportunity to strike. Rushing forward can lead to a mistake that will cost you your victory! Stop for a few moments if the time allows it and think. How will your move affect the board layout? What actions will the opponent take in trying to escape your trap? There should be a wise path to opt for no matter how the game unfolds.

Basic Chess Endgames

The royal pair against 1 king

The royal pair against 1 king

It’s common in chess when your pawn reaches the last line. As a rule, you turn it into a queen. And then, together with the king, you try to checkmate the opponent. Attention: avoid stalemate! Leave at least 1 cell for the enemy’s retreat. Push it to the edge and then strike!

Cornering with the rook

Cornering with the rook

The principle is identical: gently force the rival to an edge. Make sure it has room to retreat. The danger is that you can create a stalemate situation. In this case, no one wins. But it’ll mean a defeat for you! Because you had all the advantages necessary for a lethal attack!

A royal pair against a king and a pawn

A royal pair against a king and a pawn

It’s a very dangerous situation. Your enemy is about to promote its soldier! This will shift your dominant advantage and endanger your king’s safety. Your queen won’t be able to totally prevent the transformation. It needs backup. But while the king moves closer, keep blowing checkmates around the pawn. This will force the other player to hide the main piece in front of the pawn!

Keep Perfecting Your Style

Basic chess endgames encompass a vast block of things to study. We’ve picked only a few of them that seem more important for a newcomer. But as you progress, you’ll need to dive deeper. Check out this detailed guide on what principles are crucial during the last stage of battling.