From Silman's website:
DVORETSKY'S ENDGAME MANUAL
Author: Mark Dvoretsky
384 pages
$29.95
Russell Enterprises, Inc. (2003)
Reviewed by Jeremy Silman
Silman's Rating: 9.5
In the last few years there has been an explosion of endgame books. Some are run of the mill efforts, and others have enriched the literature on the subject (the revised edition of BASIC CHESS ENDINGS and FUNDAMENTAL CHESS ENDINGS are just two of many). Some have been for advanced players (FINAL COUNTDOWN or ENDGAME SECRETS), while others have attempted to disseminate endgame skills to the masses (CHESS ENDGAME TRAINING, WINNING CHESS ENDINGS). Though all the books just mentioned are excellent, none have impressed me more than DVORETSKY'S ENDGAME MANUAL.
Offering up an enormous amount of deeply explored material over its 384 pages, the famed chess teacher/trainer/author explores almost every aspect of this often ignored phase of the game – key squares in King and pawn endgames are finally made accessible to the non-professional, minor piece endgames are clearly explained, Rook endgames take up almost 100 pages, and Queen endgames (a topic often thought to be unintelligible) have been demystified.
“Doesn't FUNDAMENTAL CHESS ENDINGS offer all this and more?” one might ask. Yes, it does. But not in such a digestible form, and not brought to life with such delightful examples. The author painstakingly explains each endgame scenario, entertains us by giving “Tragicomedies” at the end of each section, maps out many basic rules and ideas, and helps us remember key concepts by naming them in some energetic manner (“Widening the Beachhead,” “Shouldering,” “Moving Downstairs,” etc.).
There is no doubt that this is a great book, but who is it for? This is always the million-dollar question, and in this case I can say, “For everyone 1400 and up!” – with one caveat: If you intend to make a serious, intense, and prolonged study of the endgame, then this is the only book you'll need. However, if you only want to learn the basics, preferring to spend most of your time on openings, middlegames, tactics and whatnot, then DVORETSKY'S ENDGAME MANUAL might prove a bit overwhelming.
I got Shereshevsky's "Endgame Strategy" after my friend (Zumdahl), who is a fantastic endgame player, recommended it to me. It's a great book, and is more about strategical thinking and planning in the endgame. There are basically two different kinds of endgame books: Theory and Strategy. Obviously his book fits into the latter. It really depends on what you are looking for.
Originally posted by Sicilian SmaugA bit old hat now, but I liked Jon Speelman's "Analysing the Endgame" which I first read when it was published 25 odd years ago. I notice that it has been reprinted a few times so should still be possible to find a copy. He looks at varied endgames from practical GM play with something of a fine tooth comb. Plenty to absorb when playing through. Theory of corresponding squares, opposite colour bishops, Pieces v Pawns, plus R and Q endings all covered but normally more advanced examples than an endgame manual like Keres' Practical Chess Endings. A second hand copy would be worth a read but I ain't selling mine!
I'm looking for a book on end game strategy more than theory. One to follow loads of examples on a board and absorb the wisdom rather than to use as a reference. Is Shereshevsky's an old book? In descriptive/ algebraic? + Would you class it as enjoyable to read in relation to other chess books or is it a bit of a chore?
I would recommend "chess endgame quiz" by Larry Evans.200 positions for you to solve with nice short and clear explanation in the back with the solutions.
Another plus is that you don't need a board and pieces.It's easy to do them just using the diagrams.
Each time you go through that book your endgame will have improved.Guaranteed! 🙂
Originally posted by aginisI found it far too complicated, the language is a little dense. I much prefered 'End game manual' by Dvoretsky. Cover all the really key themes and some other great stuff too. I bought it twice in fact; once as a book and again as a CD for chessabase. I reccomend the cd as you can read it quickly without having to muddle around with a board. I read 3 chapters in an hour! I could never do that with a book and a board out... 😉
i really enjoyed
How to Play Chess Endings
by Eugene Znosko-Borovsky
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0486211703/002-6898626-9449638?v=glance&n=283155
Originally posted by HomerJSimpsonI'm no 2000+ player, and I love this book. Most of his books are definitely targeted toward high rated players, but this one is also structured so as to be accessible for mortals. The extra benefit is that the book grows with you. Meaning, as you get better, you can absorb the more advanced concepts. The only other engame book I ever read was the very basic Pandolfini's Endgame Course. I didn't go into the Dvoretsky book with any super endgame finesse, but I have found it to be easy to read and grasp.
Dvortersky's endgame manual is recommended for players 2000+.
Originally posted by Sicilian SmaugIf you can afford it, there are some excellent videos on the market. For example for pawn endings:
I've decided to put alot of time into end game study over the next few months as it's my weakest area. Any tips on good end game books?
I don't want to start basic - my end game isn't that bad. Looking for something intermediate - advanced. Silman's recommended reading at the back of "How to Reassess your Chess" mentions Shereshevsky's books ...[text shortened]... ead those? Opinion? Or any other ideas of alternative endgame reading?
Cheers,
SS.
Endings - the Essentials with GM Daniel King
and for piece play in endgames by GM Dzindzichashvili:
Minor Piece Endgame Weapons
Warring Endgame Tactics
Slashing Advanced Endgame Tactics
Shattering Minor Piece Endings