Books on endgames for improving players

"Endgame Challenge" by John Hall

...had stellar reviews at Amazon. Is it that good and is it a wise buy for a 1300ish beginner?

I would either go for Silmans new endgame book, or Pandolfini's endgame book. I have read both and think they are well done. Silmans will take you further, but I was able to read through Pandolfini's without a board.

I really like Karsten Mueller's endgame disks as you know Sydsad. Endgame texts tend to put me to sleep, Karsten makes endgames really interesting and painless.

If you really enjoy endgames and already know a little, Dvoretsky would be a good choice - but if you don't like endgames and study them just because you have to, then you'll find it way too dry and probably use it just as a reference.

I bought Silman's book over the weekend, and so far it looks about as comprehensive as any endgame book could be. I also trust Silman's writing due to his other books. I would say his book is suitable for most anyone, so long as you have a reasonable foundation already. He covers the most basic endgames all the way to the more advanced; not surprising considering the title...

Essential Chess Endings by Howell comes very highly recommended. its a small book perfect for the tournament player with limited study time. With careful review, anybody with the basics should be able to finish this book in one or two weeks. It covers everything, including basic mates and a clear explanation on how to mate with B+N+K vs. K. This book will take you all the way to 1600-1800. For a more thorough review take a look at silmans or Amazons.

"Endgame Challenge" is a book of puzzles, so if you don't already have some endgame knowledge you are probably not going to be able to solve many of the problems in the book.

For a 1300-player, I would recommend "Pandolfini's Endgame Course". Also excellent is "Practical Chess Endings" by Irving Chernev. A good book if you don't mind descriptive notation.

Great! "Lotsa" solid advice. Much appreciated!

Just the Facts! by Krogius and Alburt is a really good one.

Jeremy Silman's complete endgame course.

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