Publisher's Synopsis
This is a reprint of the classic work Basic Chess Endings by Reuben Fine, published in 1941.
Although there are claims it has been superseded by other books, Basic Chess Endings by Fine remains the only book that covers all of the most basic chess endings and yet is in small size so it can be carried around in your pocket. The other books just show some endgames, not every endgame.
Grandmaster Fine was one of the strongest chess players in the world and would likely have become world champion but he gave up tournament play to become a writer of textbooks on psychology, in addition to books on chess. A major advantage to Fine's book is his writing ability. Fine was a professional writer. He did not make his living as a chess player.
This book is in old style descriptive notation. Some especially younger readers will prefer the more modern Algebraic System.
The practical chess player is not interested in knowing that there is a computer somewhere that will show the solution for his position. Rather, he wants to learn how to find the best moves himself so as to defeat his human opponent.
The most important endgames to study and learn are King and Pawn Endgames and Rook and Pawn Endgames. Knowing rook and pawn endgames is like having money in a savings account, as they come up all the time. Be sure to take time and learn all the rook and pawn against rook endgames.
