Basic Endgames

Last updated October 25, 2022

Over the years, I have seen many examples of players outplaying their opponent, leaving them with only a long King, but then not know how to checkmate for a win!  Here is a list of endings that every chess player should know . . . 

  1.  K vs K, Q, Q 
  2.  K vs K, Q, R - no video, but you can use the same method as for 3.
  3.  K vs K, R, R - this uses a technique commonly called The Lawnmower, because it is done in stripes.
  4.  K vs K, Q - juniors often make great progress with this but then blunder into Stalemate, which is only a draw, instead of Checkmate and a win.
  5.  K vs K, R - this is trickier for beginners, but a must to learn, and introduces the Opposition of Kings. (This is used in advanced endgames.)

If you do not know how to do any of these, ask us in the club, or watch the YouTube videos made by Dr.Dave by clicking the blue title link in the list above.