Portisch Lajos, Sarkozy Balazs. Six Hundred Endings

Cadogan Chess Books, 1981. — 205 p. — ISBN: 0-80--024137-9.The beauty of chess lies in the cut and thrust of combination and counter-combination, and in the rapid and precise execution of ideas. Thorough preparatory study is, of course, the prerequisite for quick and correct action, and for successful competitive play. It is a mistake, however, to limit one's studies solely to opening theory; one must also delve into the theory of the endgame.Opening theory classifies possible continuations of the various opening moves, and assists in the development of the battle forces. The theory of openings is ine:xhausti'bk, since it is constantly being developed and extended, and new analyses may well in­ validate established theory.
Endgame theory has a more permanent value, particularly the rules and principles concerning elementary positions. These may be considered as being definitive. Beforr.: dealing with the endgame, we ought to know what part of the game should be so regarded.Several problem composers hold that the endgame starts when the player who is about to move can force a win or draw from the position against any variation. Artur Havasi. the renowned Hungarian master problem composer, divided endings into three catef"­ ries:
I. theoretical,
2. practical, and
3. artistic endings (studies). He defined these cat.:­ gories as follows:
I. Theoretical endings arc positions where the correct line is gene1·ally
known and thoroughly analysed, and where the solution is, therefore, only a question of technique.
2. Practical endings are positions arising in the course of games, which skilful play should transform into theoretical endgame positions.
3. The artistic ending (study) is a contrived position which contains the theoretical endgame shroudr.:d in problem-like complications.In view of the vast amount of material to be processed, we could not, unfortunately. aspire to comprehensiveness. We have, however, aimed at a systematic presantation of the most important endgame principks. Our chief concern has been to "bring together instructive material which can be used in oYer-the-board play, rather than to amass endgame gems. The endings in this volume, of necessity, deal with the final moves of
games, but we wish to point out the importance of individual research work. Jt pays the student to trace the development of the ending from the earlier stagr.:s of the game. We trust you will find the book both rewarding and entertaining.