Lessons

Endgame Patterns

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Learn these advanced patterns to win your endgames!

Are you tired of drawing your rook and pawn endgames when you are up a pawn? Then this is the course for you! Converting a winning advantage in the endgame can sometimes be extremely difficult. By learning these advanced techniques and concepts you will increase your winning chances in the endgame, and even learn to save some positions you used to lose!

What you will learn:

Advanced techniques of distant opposition and triangulation in king and pawn endgames
Master checkmating with the bishop pair
Learn how to stop a dangerous passed pawn with your queen to bring home the full point
How to win rook and pawn endgames with the extremely important Lucena and Philidor positions
And more!

Philidor says "Learn my rook and pawn endgame technique!". Photo: Wikimedia.

Distant Opposition

Distant opposition occurs when there are three or even five squares separating kings in the endgame. The same principles apply as in regular opposition.

7 min

5 Challenges

Triangulation

In some pawn endings you can take over the opposition and put your opponent in zugzwang by losing a tempo. Watch the video to learn how to use triangulation to win endgames.

6 min

5 Challenges

Lucena Position

The Lucena position occurs when one side has a king, rook and pawn against king and rook and the pawn is one square from promotion. Watch the video to learn the winning technique.

5 min

5 Challenges

Philidor Position

The most important draw to know in rook endings is the Philidor Position. Watch the video to learn how to defend.

5 min

5 Challenges

Pieces and Pawns

Pieces are usually more valuable than pawns, but pawns that are near promotion or that can protect each other can often fight against pieces effectively.

5 min

5 Challenges

Queen vs Pawn

When can a queen defeat a pawn on the seventh rank? This video covers the winning and drawing plans.

6 min

5 Challenges

Two Bishop Checkmate

It's rare, but you will want to know how to win with only two bishops against a king. Use the opposition and bishops to force the king towards a corner of the board and then checkmate.

7 min

5 Challenges