Endgame Lab

  • Theophilus Thompson’s book recreated!

    Theophilus Augustus Thompson Theophilus Thompson has appeared on this website many, many times. He is a legend in the annals of chess history, not only as a pioneer in the worldwide Black community, but as one who blazed the trail in chess composition. A couple of months ago I received…

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  • Endgame Survival Training #4

    A Saving Grace?? There are a number of endings that look totally hopeless and many times, endings come down to the strength of the pawns. In the following position, the lone white bishop is trying to stop three healthy, connected passed pawns. Ironically, if the black pawns were weaker and…

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  • Endgame Survival Training #3

    Battle of Kings! After this pawn ending we will move onto other themes. Ending with few pieces on the board are often the hardest because a slight mistake results in the loss of a half- or full-point. In this position white has a chance to win this position, however there…

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  • Endgame Survival Training #2

    “It should be noted that current opening variations come and go, and the evaluation of certain positions change. But the value of knowing how to play endgames well remains constant.” ~ANATOLY KARPOV, Former World Champion~ * * * Here is a common ending that may look easy, but it has…

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  • Theophilus Thompson’s Thumbnails

    Theophilus Thompson Dr. Steven Dowd sent this piece earlier in the year as a follow-up to his instructive “Anticipation” essay he did on Theophilus Thompson. These two stories “sandwiched” Neil Brennen’s work on Thompson and adds to the intrigue of this pioneer of American chess history. Of course he is…

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  • Endgame Survival Training #1

    Five years ago, there were a series of endings offered at The Chess Drum. We will restart this exercise with some basic endings and elevate to more complicated endings. A practical chance to save a losing position. Can you find the drawing sequence? White to play and draw!

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  • Theo Thompson’s legendary problem!

    Anticipation by Dr. Steven B. Dowd Take a few minutes to examine the three diagrams below. What is the common thread here? No.1 No.2 No.3 First of all, let’s assign author and date to the first diagram. No. 1 is by Wladimir P. Klipatschow and won a special honor in…

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  • Ending Laboratory (Bishop)

    I was at the Touch Move Chess Center when one of the attendees grabbed me and challenged me to this problem. See if you can solve it! White to play and mate in three!

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  • Interesting Ending at Corus

    Michael Adams – Judit Polgar (after 27…Kxe8) The position occurred at 2008 Corus “A” between Michael Adams (England) and Judit Polgar (Hungary) after only 27 moves. White has just traded rooks on e8 with 27.Rxe8+ and black played 27…Kxe8. White to play here. What are the respective plans? Who’s better?

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  • Endgame Laboratory #9

    A practical ending with a few subtleties. White to play and win!

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