100 Endgames You Must Know

This 100 Endgames You Must Know is a revised fourth edition of a highly regarded chess endgame book, built around the idea that real improvement comes from mastering a manageable set of key positions rather than memorising an entire theory library. Jesus de la Villa explains the 100 endgames that matter most in practical play, making them easier to understand and easier to use over the board.

What the book covers

De la Villa starts from a simple but useful premise: the endgames worth knowing by heart are fewer than many players think, and the knowledge you gain there stays relevant far longer than opening theory. The problem is that endgame technique is often the weakest part of a player’s game, and in faster time controls there is rarely time to calculate everything from scratch.

That is why this book concentrates on endgames that are:

• seen frequently in practical play,
• straightforward enough to learn,
• and full of ideas that still help in more complex positions.

The emphasis is on understanding and practical use. Instead of encouraging guesswork under time pressure, the book shows you how to recognise familiar patterns and steer the game towards positions you already know.

How it teaches

The strength of the book lies in the way the material is presented. Readers get clear rules, detailed but accessible explanations, many diagrams and concise summaries of the main ideas. The book also includes tests, so you can check whether the material has really stuck.

That makes 100 Endgames You Must Know suitable both for structured study and for regular revision. It is a strong choice for club players, ambitious amateurs and anyone who wants to improve their endgame play more consistently.

About the author and recognition

Jesus de la Villa is a Spanish grandmaster, respected coach and chess author. His calm, organised way of explaining endgames has helped make this title a modern classic in chess literature.

The book was also shortlisted for The Guardian Chess Book of the Year Award.

Key details

• Product type: chess endgame book
• Title: 100 Endgames You Must Know
• Author: Jesus de la Villa
• Edition: revised fourth edition
• Focus: essential chess endgames
• Method: practical explanations, diagrams, summaries and tests
• Recognition: shortlisted for The Guardian Chess Book of the Year Award