Understanding Chess Endgames | John Nunn

Understanding Chess Endgames by John Nunn offers a clear and concise exploration of the critical principles of endgames in chess. Unlike some more advanced endgame manuals, this book is designed to be accessible to players without specialized endgame knowledge, making it suitable for a broad range of players. 

Nunn organizes the book around 100 critical endgame concepts, explaining how they are applied in practical games to secure victories or salvage challenging positions.

The content is structured in a way that is ideal for deep study and reference. Nunn’s writing is praised for being detailed yet easy to understand, offering valuable insights into all types of endgames, including pawn, rook, and knight endings. It's particularly appreciated for its clear explanations and well-chosen examples highlighting typical endgame scenarios.

• An excellent resource for players who want to improve their endgame understanding and skills, whether you are a beginner or advanced player looking to refine your knowledge
• Enhance your conversion of advantages and learn the fundamentals of endgame concepts
• Particularly appreciated for its clear explanations and well-chosen examples that highlight typical endgame scenarios
• Including 100 lessons for the endgame player divided by type of endgame: pawn endings, knight, bishops of the same colour, bishops of the opposite colour, bishop versus knight, rook versus rook or minor piece, and queens

Reader’s review:

In this book, Grandmaster John Nunn explores 100 key chess ideas, offering four illustrative examples for each concept and guiding the reader through optimal strategies in various positions. 

The book is packed with valuable chess insights that, when absorbed, can enhance a player's understanding and performance in competitive play. 

Nunn excels at simplifying even the most complex ideas, making them accessible to players at different skill levels. Reflecting on earlier chess literature, the reviewer appreciates how Nunn’s work makes endgame study enjoyable, contrasting it with more challenging texts like Reuben Fine’s Basic Chess Endings. 

With examples drawn from both contemporary games and classic master plays from the past 150 years, the book is beneficial for chess enthusiasts of all levels - L Palter

About the Author:

John Nunn is a British Grandmaster, author, and mathematician, widely regarded as one of the top chess players and writers of his generation. Born in 1955, Nunn earned the Grandmaster title in 1978 and was ranked among the world's top 10 players in the 1980s. Known for his deep understanding of the game and analytical approach, Nunn has written numerous acclaimed chess books, many focusing on tactics, endgames, and puzzle-solving.

He holds a PhD in mathematics from the University of Oxford, which contributed to his analytical mindset in chess. His books, such as Secrets of Practical Chess, John Nunn’s Chess Puzzle Book, and Nunn’s Chess Endings, have won multiple "Book of the Year" awards and are considered essential reading for serious chess players.

Nunn is also known for his contributions to chess problem-solving and puzzle composition. In addition to his writing and playing career, he has edited chess magazines. He continues to influence the chess world with his intellectual and educational contributions.

Other details:

Paperback
Pages: 224
Dimensions: 17 x 2 x 24.6cm
ISBN-13: 9781906454111