Endgames involving only kings and pawns are the most fundamental of all chess positions, and a firm understanding of them is required in order to become confident of tackling more complex endings. In this easy-to-read guide, Grandmaster and distinguished endgames expert Glenn Flear focuses on the very basics of pawn endings. Beginning with the simplest of positions and only gradually working through to more challenging material, Flear outlines the key principles and rules, and demonstrates how these work in practical examples. As one of the priorities of such endings is to promote pawns to queens, Flear additionally deals with queen endings that arise naturally from the simpler form. As is commonplace with the renowned Starting Out series, there are an abundance of notes, tips and warnings throughout the book to help the improving player. Starting Out: Pawn Endgames is perfect for those who have previously honed their chess skills with the earlier books Starting Out in Chess, Tips for Young Players and Improve Your Endgame Play.

- Covers all crucial pawn endings

- Easy step-by-step guide to better endgame play

- Ideal for the improving player

- Innovative layout to help readers absorb the key ideas

List of Content

004 Bibliography

005 Introduction

007 1 Pawn Endings are Special!

020 2 The Last Pawn

031 3 Play in a Limited Area

049 4 The Power of the Passed Pawn

064 5 Passed Pawns Galore

079 6 Races!

094 7 Manoeuvring Monarchs

110 8 Pawn Power

128 9 Further Positional Themes

151 10 When Pawns Become Queens

163 11 Exchanging into Pawn Endings

174 Additional Exercises

177 Solutions to Exercises