Endgame Methods
GM Nikolai Krogius wrote a short (50 pages) book “Endgame Laws” and, with limitation in space, he tried to introduce his method of endings classification. First, he says that all typical positions can be divided in two groups: exact and problem endings. Exact endings (we can also say “basic”) are deeply analysed and we can learn best methods to achieve expected results (for example, Lucena method).
Problem endings, the larger group, are more common in practice. Because chess is exponential, it is impossible to learn them like openings and exact endings. Therefore, our task would be to bring those positions in within exact endings, or at least the endings we are familiar with. GM Krogius suggests that there are three methods for doing so: create zugzwang, use the power of passed pawns and/or use the position (activity) of the king(s). Of course, this sounds simplified and the large field requires further exploration.
GM Nikolai Krogius also wrote the masterpiece “Psychology in Chess”.
All methods suggested by GM Krogius will be topics in extended lessons I promised for registered users in February. For now, a short example from Fischer’s game.
Fischer - Finegold
New York, 1963
Let’s look at the position before we decide how to proceed. This is an same-colored bishops ending with equal material. White has one weakness to defend - d5 pawn, black has two - e4 and h7 pawns. We can notice difference in pieces activity. Black king is attacking white’s weakness, while white king is protecting d5 pawn and, at the same time, attacking black’s weakness on e4. Black bishop is tied for e4-pawn defence and its mobility is limited to f5-g6 only. White bishop is free to wander. Since black king is also covering entry squares c5 and e5, an idea presents itself - bring black into zugzwang. Direct attack 1. Bb1 with idea to capture e4 pawn is not working, you should find why and discuss in comments.
