Bobby Fischer, the masters, and Basic Chess Endings... | Basic Chess Endings (Chess)

Fabulous Despite Age and Errors | Basic Chess Endings (Chess) | Reuben Fine

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	• Basic Chess Endings (Chess) Reuben Fine Random House Puzzles & Games, 2003 - 586 pages average customer review:based on 19 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Basic Chess Endings

The recommended text for those who want to improve their end game skills. The table of contents is comprehensive but there is no alphabetical index to speed up its use for reference purposes; I will look for that in the next edition. Time will tell whether the binding of paperback version will hold it together long term. The original book I had with the old notation fell to bits after 6 years use and it was cheaper to buy a new one than get a bookbinder to fix up the old one. Maybe an electronic version on disk would be the way to overcome this problem. Andy Sag.

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Bobby Fischer, the masters, and Basic Chess Endings...

I don't have the citation on me, but legend has it that Bobby Fischer used this book as in effect his endgame bible--his copy was notoriously tattered, worn, and dog-eared.

The introduction by Yuri Averbakh is of note as Averbakh is the reigning Russian endgame god.

A book review at ChessCafe noted: "When it comes to the explanation of pure endgame theory, there may never have been a better book than Reuben Fine's Basic Chess Endings."

International master John Watson, describes Basic Chess Endings as "a tour de force and still highly relevant to endgame theory in its revised form by Pal Benko."

International master Anthony Saidy's review contains somewhat humorous stories from an older generation who deemed the book infallible, and were heartbroken by discovering occasional errors in the midst of master-level games. Nonetheless Saidy concludes: "To sum up, this is an improved BCE, at last mercifully corrected...Benko's work has improved the bible, but it is still basically the bible of 1941. BCE in its panorama of all endgames, remains in a class by itself. But a truly new BCE, incorporating the wealth of experience of the past six decades, including computer studies, it is not." So: "in a class by itself", but unlike a true bible, still not infallible.

The British Chess Magazine review runs: "Fine's monumental endgame manual scarcely needs an introduction as it will be on the bookshelves of most keen players. This is a recent revision by Grandmaster Pal Benko, with a foreword by Averbakh. The 2003 revision has been a matter of correcting mistakes, converting to algebraic notation and using more modern examples of endgames in a few cases where endgame theory has moved on. Fine's 15 rules for the endgame have been increased to 20 by Benko. Still a classic work, and now it has been enhanced with input from another very distinguished endgame expert. There are now other excellent works on the endgame but even after many decades this one still stands comparison with them."

A chess blogger writes that "Predrag, my chess coach on ICC has been successful in convincing me to study endgames and I am convinced that endgames are the most difficult part of the game. It also appears to hold the key to strong play - not only because of the chance to win games but because the chance to develop awesome calculative skills acquired are just too great to be ignored. I tried using some software packages, Bruce Pandolfini's endgame book and Larry Evans book, but they just don't seem to be the problem set I need to use - either too hard or they simply don't have illustrative sets I can practice. I ordered Basic Chess Endings by Rueben Fine and edited by Benko. It was recommended by Predrag." This is Predrag Trajkovic, an international master who gives lessons through ICC (the Internet Chess Club).

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Fabulous Despite Age and Errors

I don't have the updated edition; I have the old one, have had it for many years, and love it today as much as I did when I first got it --- this despite the plethora of modern, computer-checked endgame manuals on the market.

Yes, it is in descriptive notation (and it will not kill you to take 10 minutes to learn it). Yes, it has errors (which most of us won't notice, and we can always use our own computers to check a position that we're not sure about in any case). Yes, it is written at a high level and is not always easy to follow (I challenge you to show me another comprehensive endgame manual that IS easy to follow!).

But it's all here. Despite criticisms that some "modern" endgame positions are omitted, Fine's book is incredibly complete and provides enough study material for years of high-level learning. That one man could have written such a book in a matter of months, with no computer in those days, is just amazing.

Now, you can get this book on the used market delivered to your door for something like five dollars. How can you go wrong? Used with care, it may be the only endgame manual you'll ever need.

Note: this is not suitable for learning the basics of endgames. It's at too high a level. If you're just starting out, get an introductory book first.

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Time to set the record straight

Reviewers below miss the main function of this book-- this was not written to teach endgames, it was written as a reference for adjournments in tournament play for consultation on how to continue the game the next day.
This book was written for tournament players Class A and above as reference for adjourned games, and since rapid time controls are now in effect this book is not as useful as it once was.

Basic Chess Endings, written by International Grandmaster Reuben Fine, is the most authoritative reference on the endgame. Serious students of the game find the work unmatched in its depth and range. Now, Grandmaster Pal Benko has revised this classic with the latest innovations in the endgame and adapted the book to algebraic notation. The result is what chess aficionados have been eagerly waiting for--a thoroughly modern bible on basic chess endings.

A handy guide for the practical player, Basic Chess Endings focuses on the aspects of the ending that occur most frequently in the course of play. With clear language, it reinforces knowledge of the standard position and tried-and-tested rules. Hundreds of diagrams make examples easy to follow. An indispensable reference for every chess player.

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reviews: page 1, 2, 3, 4

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