Gelfand: Decision Making in Major Piece Endings

Autor: Boris Gelfand
Verlag / Hersteller: Quality Chess
Erscheinungsjahr: 2020
Sprache: Englisch
Seiten: 319

Master Decision-Making in Rook and Queen Endings

Boris Gelfand's Decision Making in Major Piece Endings draws on his experience as a former World Championship Challenger to tackle one of chess's most decisive battlegrounds: endgames with rooks and queens.

Most games are won or lost not through brilliant tactics but through precise technique in these endgames. This book addresses the practical skills that separate strong players from world-class practitioners.

Gelfand also explores the often-overlooked transition phase between middlegame and endgame—a critical moment where many players falter.

Highlights

• Learn rook and queen endgame technique from a Grandmaster with world championship experience
• Understand the 4th phase: the middlegame-to-endgame transition where many games are decided
• Develop sound decision-making frameworks for major piece endgames
• Study defensive methods and practical winning methods in complex positions
• Apply endgame principles to real tournament situations

Essential reading for advanced players seeking to sharpen their endgame mastery and convert advantages into wins.

FAQ

What does Gelfand mean by the '4th phase' in endgames?
The 4th phase refers to the transition zone between middlegame and endgame—a period often overlooked in chess teaching yet decisive in practice. Gelfand explores how players handle this critical shift and the decision-making required during this phase.

Does this book cover both rook and queen endings?
Yes. The book addresses major piece endgames broadly, covering both rook endings and queen endings, along with the principles and decision-making techniques that apply across these endgame types.

Is this book suitable for intermediate players?
This book is aimed at advanced and serious chess players. Intermediate players may find parts valuable, but the material assumes solid endgame knowledge and is pitched toward players seeking grandmaster-level insight.