Endgames from Wijk aan Zee (3)

Keymer’s rook endings - Part 1

In three out of the last four rounds, Vincent Keymer outplayed tough opponents in the middlegame to reach advantageous rook endgames. Unfortunately for the young German, though, he failed to make the most of his chances in the final phase of the games. In round 7, his rival was none other than the second highest-rated player in the world, Ding Liren.

Keymer’s rook endings - Part 2

Then, in round 9, Keymer could have inflicted Nodirbek Abdusattorov’s first loss of the event. The Uzbek continues to lead the standings in the Masters.

Keymer’s rook endings - Part 3

Against Jorden van Foreest in round 10, Keymer failed to convert his advantage with the black pieces. At the critical point, he should have prevented his opponent from activating his rook.

The can opener

Amin Tabatabaei defeated Thomas Beerdsen after taking advantage of the latter’s mistaken pawn push in a pure king and pawn endgame. 

Opposite-coloured bishops favour the attacker

Pure opposite-coloured bishop endings have a large drawish tendency, but with rooks still on the board, they favour the attacker, as proven by Velimir Ivic in his game with white against Jergus Pechac.

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

• Topical endgames: Meltwater | Saint Louis
• 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