Originally posted by wormwoodYes but endgame study doesn't just help you in the endgame it helps you learn the true power of your pieces and how pawn structures work.
sure. but the endgames won't matter until you can keep material until the end. at 1700 the games are almost invariably decided before endgame.
- Joined
- 16 Feb 07
- Moves
- 27653
Originally posted by thadeusmanYes - that's all true, but this is a lot more important at higher levels (say 1700 or 1800+) than for the lower level players. As was pointed out above, a whole lots more games are lost due to relatively simple tactics than to lack of understanding of positional subtleties.
Yes but endgame study doesn't just help you in the endgame it helps you learn the true power of your pieces and how pawn structures work.
Originally posted by Mr AverageYes! Getting to 1700 is not difficult and there are many threads on this.
I've been on here a few years now, and recently have decided to dedicate some proper time and attention to each game I play. Would any of the higher rated guys be kind enough to have a quick scan at one or two of my games, and perhaps offer an outer rating limit this old man could hit by year end, if i actually apply myself and listen to the advice im given?
thanks in advance for any comments
Most important things are
(1) take your time and think about every move. Never rush things and always try and understand what your opponent is up to;
(2) don't make the 1st move that comes into your head! Even if you think it is good look to see if you have something better;
(3) work on the tactics. This might seem hard but just studying a few tactical problems in your spare time can help with this;
(4) once you have decided on a move unless your opponents response is forced look to see if he has other resources not envisaged by you.
All of these are simple. You can do them now without really trying.
Less simple perhaps but not difficult
(5) study endings and ensure you know what positions win and what draw and how to win / draw them;
(6) work on your openings. Thats so easy here as you can use a DB but don't follow it blindly. Ensure you understand the objectives behind the opening and why the position when you leave the DB is better / worse for you. Avoid the worse ones and ensure you know how to play the betters one.
You can do all of this without much effort and will be well on your way to 1700.
1 edit
Originally posted by wormwoodI'm not trying to say that you should only learn the endgame what I think is learn a little of the opening (don't over do it)a little tactic and plan formation and a lot of endgame.
yeah, I fully agree. but it won't matter until you can keep material.
edit: Im replying to both wormwood and Erekose.
1 edit
Originally posted by thadeusmanYes, but not on our level. That is so from the chess genious point of view. He does that because he can foresee what we can't. And I guess his advice is very wise but he probably thinks about seriously strong chess players here. For his level 2000 players are just beginners.
Capablanca said it best: “In order to improve your game, you must study the endgame before everything else, for whereas the endings can be studied and mastered by themselves, the middle game and the opening must be studied in relation to the endgame”
I agree with wormwood here. You will rarely see game between two 1600 players without serious blunders. Learn to keep/gain material then proceed to serious endgame study. I am not talking about you, I am talking about all of us below some serious level. 🙂
Originally posted by ivan2908I'm not so sure about that opening only lead to short term gain even for amateurs but But once you are in the endgame "the moment of truth has arrived.
Yes, but not on our level. That is so from the chess genious point of view. He does that because he can foresee what we can't. And I guess his advice is very wise but he probably thinks about seriously strong chess players here. For his level 2000 players are just beginners.
Originally posted by thadeusmanIt is important to realize that Capablanca included elementary checkmates in his definition of the endgame, as does Jermy Silman, Silman's Complete Endgame Course. To wit, in Capablanca, Chess Fundamentals, the first diagram is
Capablanca said it best: “In order to improve your game, you must study the endgame before everything else, for whereas the endings can be studied and mastered by themselves, the middle game and the opening must be studied in relation to the endgame”
"The first thing a student should do, is to familiarise himself with the power of the pieces. This can be done by learning how to accomplish quickly some of the simple mates." (page 3)
at 1500 tactics is not the reason people lose games. Its because they do not fully understand the plans of the middle game of their opening. Any game against an equal opponent will most definatly go to the end. Not many 1500 players who can attack and mate in the middle game, I'll admit that I still can't do that and its happened very few times. Tactics in my opinion are overrated.
1 edit
Originally posted by ivan2908One nice thing about correspondence chess is that you can start studying a certain type of endgame when you come into the situation. For example, I once had a game in which I was heading towards an endgame with bishops of the opposite colour, with a pawn down. Reading up on this first convinced me that this was my best chance (at that point it would still have been possible to get into a different endgame), and then in fact I ended up winning (due to some serious blunders by my opponent who obviously hadn't studied this). At least for me, this "learning by doing" is more effective as well as more fun than studying something you might not be able to use for several years.
Yeah, if they enter in the endgame with equal chances in the first place. Knowing Lucena and Philidor positions won't help too much if you are rook down. However, endgames are very important and it is not wise to totally neglect them in any case. That's why I have two endgame books at home 😏