What it teaches
Most endgame books teach theoretical positions. Belarusian trainer Mikhail Shereshevsky teaches something different and equally important: how to play the countless endgames that aren't in any book. He explains the strategic principles strong players follow, such as activating the king, creating a second weakness when one isn't enough to win, choosing the right pieces to exchange, restricting the opponent's counterplay, and his famous advice not to hurry when the opponent has no active plan.
Each principle is illustrated with master games by great endgame players, showing how small advantages are converted step by step.
Who it's for
Serious players from about 1700 up who know the basic theoretical endings but struggle to convert advantages. Many strong players call it the best book on practical endgame play ever written.
How to get the most from it
Play through the games slowly and note each time the winning side follows one of the principles. Then look for missed opportunities in your own endgames.
Key takeaways
- One weakness rarely loses; create a second and stretch the defense.
- Don't hurry: improve your position first when your opponent has no counterplay.
- An active king is a strong piece in the endgame.
- Choose exchanges that increase your advantage, not ones that ease the defense.
Read next
See these principles in action in Capablanca's Best Chess Endings, and add the theoretical side with 100 Endgames You Must Know.
