Grandmaster Secrets: Endings

Well, I don't normally write reviews, but given the quality of some of the earlier reviews, I feel compelled to speak up. I am a reasonably strong player (USCF 2200 years ago, today FIDE 2100) and know a little bit about chess theory, having trained several junior players over the years. I have bought hundreds of chess books and I know what it takes to improve. The key to improving in chess is to learn the basic principles and then study typical positions which exemplify those principles. The study of master games is the best way to do this and there are no strong players who have not made a study of many master games. The problem with the endgame is that there are few good books on the subject. Part of the problem is that, unlike the early middlegame, the endgame cannot be easily categorized into specific pawn structures. Most books deal with very basic endgames such as rook and pawn against rook. Perhaps you will play some of these endgames every now and then, but most players need to know how to play more complex positions. This book does an excellent job and, in my opinion, accomplishes the task of teaching this aspect better than almost any other book. A series of basic principles are laid down: 1) when to exchange and what to exchange 2) the two on one 3) strategic thinking etc etc and examples are shown. This book would suit players up to about USCF 2000, ELO 1900 etc. (yes, even the more experienced can benefit from this book). By all means read a book on basic endgames (I like Albert's book "Just the Facts") but have a look at this book. The endgame demands serious study by all players who aspire to a rating of 2200 or above. Shereshevky's book "Endgame Strategy" is good too, but this book is better for the average player. In fact, there is some overlap (at least conceptually) between the Shereshevsky book and this one, but this one is a more entertaining read!). Yes, in reply to one reviewer, the format is a little cute. But it seems to work (at least it does for me, and I am quite critical). It certainly isn't dry. Perhaps, in my dotage, I need to be entertained as well as informed. Everyone should have a copy of this book. Andy Soltis continues to produce great books. This is one of his best.

Here is what International Master Jeremy Silman, who reviews chess books on another site, said about this book. He said it better than I could."Most endgame books are over the heads of the normal tournament player. Most are boring. Most are completely useless. Soltis' book, however, is a rare mixture of entertainment, deep instruction, and grand design. The typesetting is excellent, the layout shows lots of care, the many drawings are absolutely wonderful, and the actual print is easy on the eye.The subtitle of this book is "Everything you need to know about the endgame," and Soltis tries very hard to make good on this promise. In my opinion, this is the best endgame book ever written for the amateur player. A must buy!"

If one of the problems most of us non-masters have with endgames is our perception of them as boring, this book may change your perspective. Soltis has written an engaging and informative endgame book that makes one WANT to learn more. Years ago, after trying to study endgames from Fine's "Basic Chess Endings," I had wearily resigned myself to ignoring them primarily because Fine's basic work seemed enormously long, tedious, and boring. It is a relief to find out that Soltis, a GM, agrees that the vast majority of Fine's book is impractical and useful only as a reference. I will reread and play out the positions from Soltis' book.

Endgames for amatuers are truely the "unknown" subject...here Soltis takes a realistic situation...a strong club player who is great at the middlegame but is really lacking in the endgame area...then a GM confers the club player and so on...If you read this book your endgame could be a secret weapon for your games...you'd always be confident in going into an endgame...read this book! It's worth it!