Endgames from Kazakhstan (2)

Kramnik miscalculates, Hou prevails

Trading queens to enter a pure pawn ending is a decision that needs careful consideration. Vladimir Kramnik’s capture of Hou Yifan’s queen was correct, but he misplayed the ensuing position with only kings and pawns on the board.

The knight’s worst enemy

A rook’s pawn is the knight’s worst enemy in an endgame, as was demonstrated by Arjun Erigaisi in his encounter against Kateryna Lagno.

Fortress breaker

Javokhir Sindarov had a strong, far-advanced passer in a bishop versus knight endgame against Vincent Keymer, but failed to find the most precise fortress-breaking manoeuvre in a critical position.

Not cautious enough

When only a few attacking pawns remain, great care is often required to convert the advantage. Kateryna Lagno could not find the correct way forward in a knight endgame while facing Bibisara Assaubayeva.

A knightmare for the bishop

In the knight versus bishop duel, the knight often wants control over the colour complex that the bishop cannot control. In this example, mistakes were made by both players, but in the end Javokhir Sindarov prevailed.

Endgames of the World Champions from Fischer to Carlsen

Let endgame expert Dr Karsten Müller show and explain the finesses of the world champions. Although they had different styles each and every one of them played the endgame exceptionally well, so take the opportunity to enjoy and learn from some of the best endgames in the history of chess.

Links

• Endgames from Vrnjacka Banja: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
• Endgames from Düsseldorf: 1 | 2
• Endgames from Wijk aan Zee: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
• Endgames from Miami: 1 | 2 | 3
• Endgames from Chennai: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
• Endgames from Madrid: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
• Notable endgames: Biel, Dortmund, Zagreb