Phases of the Game: The Chess End Game

The end game is sometimes called the ending in chess. The key difference between the chess middle game and the end game is that there are a lot fewer pieces on your board in the end game as compared to the middle game. Though the dividing line between the end game and the middle game isn't always that clear. If you play chess to win you shouldn't leave out the end game. It will be like running without actually making it to the finish line.

The obvious reason why a game of chess would easily transition from the middle game to the end game is the exchange of pieces. The exchange of pieces mostly occurs in the middle game resulting in many casualties. After which will come the end game when the dust settles after a laborious middle game. You can be very sure that the end game will have different strategic goals compared to the opening and the middle game.

Though there are only a few of your pieces left during the end game you might have already guessed that you'd still have some Pawns left in this stage of the game. It is not surprising that the Pawns become more valuable for both players in the end game compared to the two previous stages. The idea behind your Pawns' increase in value is due to the fact that they can be promoted. You might want to read more about Pawns, their advancement, and their capabilities in our discussion on Pawns.

Another interesting change that occurs in the end game is that the King also increases in tactical value. It is not uncommon when you see the King making its moves in the center of the board during the end game. There are end games that have the King lending its capabilities and supporting other pieces.

Generally, the player who has more men on the board in this phase of the game can and should go for exchanging more pieces. The only exception to that rule of thumb is that the Pawns should not be exchanged as haphazardly as at the previous two stages.

Now, if you end up as the player with more Pawns it doesn't automatically mean that you can go ahead and exchange as much Pawns as much as you like. In fact, if you're ahead in the number of Pawns left on the chess table you might want to hang on to those Pawns a little bit longer. This allows you to promote your Pawns and obtain important material.

It is important to be able to play the end game right. If you play chess to win you should also know how to finish a game.