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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
