An essential practical book, for all chess players, from one of the world's greatest grandmasters. Rather than attempting to cover every theoretical possible endgame position, Paul Keres deals with the basic types of position into which all other endgames will eventually be resolved. He examines these in great detail and, in so doing, reveals the fundamental principles of the endgame and the main ideas for each player. It is not by memorising moves but by understanding the basic positions that a player, of whatever rating, will most improve his endgame play. For this reason, Keres does not simply point out the best move; rather he explains the positions in such a way that the reader's understanding will lead, almost automatically, to the best move.