Older players will remember that learning endgame theory from books used to be a bit tedious: building up the position, replaying the pattern variation, rebuilding, replaying the first minor variation, rebuilding, replaying the sub-variation of the minor variation, rebuilding, replaying the second minor variation, etc. This has changed fundamentally with the computer. How nice! It’s even nicer when you’re also provided with explanations of the meaning of the individual moves - in a video lesson, for example.
Indian grandmaster Surya Ganguly has provided such lessons in his new and already highly acclaimed two-volume course “Endgame Essentials”.
Ganguly was Anand’s second in several World Championship bouts and surely analysed more complex problems for the world champion. However, in this video course, he proves that he is also good at teaching the basics.
The course is particularly useful for less experienced players, but the level then rises quickly. The course is also suitable as a refresher for experienced club and tournament players. You’ll be amazed at what you don’t know but should know (maybe you’ve forgotten?)
Here are two examples of how Ganguly explains this, intended as a little appetiser for all those who actually need to do a bit more to improve their endgame knowledge. Sitting next to him for support is IM Sagar Shah, who asks the right questions. And both have a lot of fun with the examples shown, which is quickly transferred to the student and spectator.
Also available separately.
From Surya Ganguly - Endgame Essentials you need to know Vol.1
Or are you already quite strong in the endgame? Then the following test (from volume 2) will be easy for you. Even grandmasters can fail, as you will note!
From Surya Ganguly - Endgame Essentials you need to know Vol.1: Test Position
Here are the two examples again, on replayable boards.
