Every chess player who wishes to improve

his level in the difficult subject of chess is obliged to study methodically

and understand the existing principles that govern the theory of the opening,

middlegame and endgame.

Most chess players focus more on the study of opening

theory than other aspects of the game. The reasons are probably clear: opening

theory is easier to learn and can provide immediate results, although this is

based more on the opponent’s ignorance than our own abilities. Even for a chess

trainer, it is easier to teach some variations from this or that opening or a

set of simple tactical motifs than to engross himself in the exposition of

middlegame and endgame theory.

Yes, middlegame and endgame theory does exist.

The great difficulty in approaching it lies in the fact that it does not follow

absolute and clear-cut paths, but rather involves deep research in the ideas

and logic by which specific types of positions are treated. Moreover, unlike

opening theory, the theory of the middlegame and the endgame does not change

rapidly based on modern developments; it remains almost intact through the

years. In view of the above, any chess player who wishes to follow a chess

career or simply become a better player must refrain from the commonplace and

assume a different approach. He must develop a good understanding of middlegame

and endgame theory, so as to be able in his games to proceed in a proper way

after his chosen opening has reached its conclusion. The chess player can

differentiate himself only in the opening; there, each one of us brings forth

his own beliefs and convictions, and in general his own experiences and

references. Objectively, no opening loses - but also no opening wins. The

opening is just the beginning of the journey and serves to offer us a

comfortable start. But to reach the end of this journey successfully we have to

count on our knowledge and experience, as regards middlegame and endgame

theory.

Endgame theory teaches us two fundamental issues. First, how to extract

the maximum from a basic theoretical position with little material, where the

experts, from practice comprising thousands of games, have reached definite

conclusions. Second, the way in which we can handle an endgame, depending on

the material remaining on the board, and the ideas and plans we should employ.

This second issue is significantly more difficult to master because, apart from

making full use of the first one (we must be aware of the possible outcomes of

the endgame in question) it is greatly influenced by our experience and

understanding, which are basically derived from the images and impressions we

have from related positions. A primary role is played here by the effort we

have invested in studying. In middlegame theory, things are even tougher. We

are obliged to study various types of positions with specific strategic and

tactical attributes, so as to understand the underlying ideas and be able to

employ them ourselves in similar situations. While many chess players have

studied these topics and acquired knowledge, it is the application of this

knowledge in practice that helps differentiate between them. Chess is not a

simple activity, but it becomes so much more attractive when we acquire this

knowledge. The purpose of this series is to introduce the reader to advanced

training concepts, using the same methods of presentation and instruction that

were taught to great players by famous trainers that they have worked with.

The series will commence with the The Passed Pawn and we will examine how to handle

such pawns.