Endgames with kings, rooks and pawns are by far the most common type - it is estimated that rook endgames are reached in nearly one in five of all chess games. It's clear that a firm understanding of them is required in order to become self-assured in this typical phase of the game. And yet it is exactly this area in which many players drop precious points or half-points through a lack of either technique or understanding.

In this easy-to-read guide, Grandmaster and well-known endgames expert Chris Ward begins with the absolute fundamentals of rook endgames. He gradually arms the reader with the indispensable knowledge and confidence needed to move onto slightly trickier positions. Using examples from practical play, Ward highlights the correct plans as well as the typical mistakes made by both attacker and defender. 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: Rook 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 rook endings

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

• Ideal for the improving player

• User-friendly layout to help readers absorb the key ideas

List of Content

004 Bibliography

005 Introduction

007 1 The Basics

021 2 Rook versus Pawn(s)

035 3 Rook and Pawn versus Rook

055 4 Introducing More Pawns

070 5 Tricky Situations and Advanced Techniques

086 6 Applying Principles to Practical Play

104 7 Twenty Questions