Basic Chess Endings

I don't have the citation on me, but legend has it that Bobby Fischer used this book as in effect his endgame bible--his copy was notoriously tattered, worn, and dog-eared. The introduction by Yuri Averbakh is of note as Averbakh is the reigning Russian endgame god. A book review at ChessCafe noted: "When it comes to the explanation of pure endgame theory, there may never have been a better book than Reuben Fine's Basic Chess Endings." International master John Watson, describes Basic Chess Endings as "a tour de force and still highly relevant to endgame theory in its revised form by Pal Benko." International master Anthony Saidy's review contains somewhat humorous stories from an older generation who deemed the book infallible, and were heartbroken by discovering occasional errors in the midst of master-level games. Nonetheless Saidy concludes: "To sum up, this is an improved BCE, at last mercifully corrected...Benko's work has improved the bible, but it is still basically the bible of 1941. BCE in its panorama of all endgames, remains in a class by itself. But a truly new BCE, incorporating the wealth of experience of the past six decades, including computer studies, it is not." So: "in a class by itself", but unlike a true bible, still not infallible. The British Chess Magazine review runs: "Fine's monumental endgame manual scarcely needs an introduction as it will be on the bookshelves of most keen players. This is a recent revision by Grandmaster Pal Benko, with a foreword by Averbakh. The 2003 revision has been a matter of correcting mistakes, converting to algebraic notation and using more modern examples of endgames in a few cases where endgame theory has moved on. Fine's 15 rules for the endgame have been increased to 20 by Benko. Still a classic work, and now it has been enhanced with input from another very distinguished endgame expert. There are now other excellent works on the endgame but even after many decades this one still stands comparison with them." A chess blogger writes that "Predrag, my chess coach on ICC has been successful in convincing me to study endgames and I am convinced that endgames are the most difficult part of the game. It also appears to hold the key to strong play - not only because of the chance to win games but because the chance to develop awesome calculative skills acquired are just too great to be ignored. I tried using some software packages, Bruce Pandolfini's endgame book and Larry Evans book, but they just don't seem to be the problem set I need to use - either too hard or they simply don't have illustrative sets I can practice. I ordered Basic Chess Endings by Rueben Fine and edited by Benko. It was recommended by Predrag." This is Predrag Trajkovic, an international master who gives lessons through ICC (the Internet Chess Club).

First let me state that I was NOT planning to write a review until I read some of the other reviews. (Some of them are very misleading).This book is a fantastic reference book covering virtually any major ending situation that you would likely come accross in actual play. It is NOT a textbook - although it could be used to learn basic endings, there are many better books to fill this gap.This book is probably most useful (as a reference work) for more advanced players (say 1500 - 1600 USCF & up) who have likely already studied other endgame manuals.This book would probably also be useful for a post-mortem (analyzing a game after the fact) to determine where a particular player went astray.It is well organized, good diagrams, good binding, etc. It has also been converted to algebraic notation (which was a drawback to the older editions). Some of the earier reviews were most likely referring to the older editions of the book.Hey, for 25 bucks you would be hard pressed to find anything better!

This book is NOT a learning tool. It is for more experienced players with a need to refer to certain endgame positions. Players new to endgame study should AVOID this tome. I wish I had. When I was just an 1800 USCF player, I had access only to this dry, pedantic, boring, dictionary and hated endgame study for years after. I am rated 2300 USCF now, and I wouldn't wish my worst enemy use this book for improvement purposes. Unless, you really want to learn endgames the hard way. buy something else

I haven't read any book as comprehensive as this one. This book contains the necessary endgame techniques a player must learn in order to win after 40 moves of play. There are also many instructive endgame positions in this book which a player may benefit from. Highly recommended.

The classic English language endgame book. Contains analysis of nearly all of the important simple endgames and a good representation of more advanced ones. Essential for anyone aspiring to be an advanced player (USCF rating >1800). However there are some analyses which have later been shown to be incorrect. When in doubt, run a position through your computer to confirm.