Loading up on endgame ammunition
“Chess Endgames 4—Strategical Endgames” (GM Karsten Mueller) reviewed by Bob
Long
This one is really loaded (6 hours). There are not only a
boatload of videoclips, there is a big procession of endgames you can play
through (as if it were a CD and you were using ChessBase9).
He starts out by emphasizing the “Cochrane Defense” which
is used as a Rook and Bishop vs. Rook. The weaker side (lone Rook) tries to get
the B between its Rook and the opposing King. In some situations it is a draw,
in others, White can win. But his illustrated examples show how to converge on
the enemy K, and with it on the back rank, how many of Black’s options are
severely reduced.
He starts his collection of complicated endgames with
Fischer-Taimanov (game 4), 1971.
On an open board, a Rook can pick up pawns and be stronger
than minor pieces.
There is a section of “pawnless endings,” second rank
defense, and also R + minor piece vs. R + minor pieces.
One of the GREAT features of Mueller’s DVDs are his
“rules.” When Karsten gives you a rule, it tends to be STRONG and valid. He’s
big on activity, especially in Knight endgames.
There are also double R endgames because there is a lot of
firepower present.
Is Q + N stronger than Q + B (there are conditions)? He
discusses this. However, he is clear that R + B tends to be much more stronger
than R + N.
Click here to view the first
lecture on Queen + Knight vs. Queen + Bishop.
What I like about watching and listening to Mueller is his
definiteness. He’s not into waffling and he thinks very well on his feet.
“A middlegame is not an endgame” he says. Take your time
and think.
Finally, he closes the video with a very instructive
endgame won by Ulf Anderssen as both sides are using two Rs. Lots of jockeying,
always threatening mate in order to get what he wants (win a pawn and then go
after another one). There are more than 50 separate sections on
these varied topics.
Original review at www.chessco.com
GM Karsten Muellers complete endgame course on four DVDs:
Endgames 1 - Basic knowledge for beginners
Endgames 2 - Rook endgames
Endgames
3 - Major piece endgames
Edngames 4 - Strategical endgames
