Chess endgame

The phase of a chess game in which few pieces remain, making king activity and pawn promotion central. Endgames often depend on precise calculation and knowledge of theoretical positions.

King and pawn versus king endgame: An endgame in which one side has a king and pawn against a lone king. Its elementary positions show how king activity and promotion decide the result.
Lucena position: A rook-and-pawn versus rook position that is usually won for the stronger side. The bridge-building maneuver shows how a rook protects a pawn while its king escapes checks.
Endgame tablebase: A database that gives game-theoretic results and optimal moves for positions with a limited number of pieces. Tablebases reveal exact outcomes in positions that human analysis may misjudge.
Chess opening: The initial phase of a chess game, when players develop pieces and contest the center. Openings prioritize development, unlike endgames' emphasis on king activity and promotion.
Opposition (chess): A king position in which the kings face each other across an odd number of squares. Taking the opposition can force the defending king away from a pawn's path.
Philidor position: A rook-and-pawn versus rook position that the defending side can usually draw. Its third-rank defense demonstrates a precise method for stopping a rook pawn.
Passed pawn: A pawn with no opposing pawn able to stop or capture it on its route to promotion. Creating or blockading a passed pawn is a frequent endgame plan.
Chess middlegame: The phase after the opening, often marked by complex piece play and attacks on the king. Middlegames commonly feature many pieces and tactical attacks absent from simplified endings.
Key square: A square whose occupation by a king guarantees a pawn's promotion against a lone king, under specified conditions. Reaching a key square is the core test for many king-and-pawn endings.
Rook endgame: An endgame in which each side has a king and rook, usually with pawns. Rook endings are common and depend on active rooks, checking distance, and pawn structure.

Linked from 14 pages