The opposition: defence
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PractiseEndgames
Positions with few pieces to learn how to finish off a win and how to save what looks lost. The rival plays perfectly: it answers with the Lichess tablebase move.
Win - Give mate, or promote the pawn without letting the win slip.
Draw - Hold on for 15 moves without reaching a lost position, or draw by the rules (stalemate, repetition, insufficient material).
Type of endgame
14 endgames
You have not passed any endgame yet
King and pawn
5 endgamesRook and pawn
4 endgamesQueen against pawn
2 endgamesBasic mates
3 endgamesYour progress
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About the endgames
Many level games are decided in the endgame, with few pieces left on the board. Here are the endgames worth knowing by heart: king and pawn against king, with the opposition and the rule of the square; rook and pawn, with the Lucena and Philidor positions; queen against pawn; and the basic mates with queen, with rook and with two bishops. Each one comes with its key idea in case you get stuck.
The opponent plays perfectly, because it answers with the Lichess tablebase, which knows the exact result of every position with few pieces. If your goal is to win, you have to mate or promote without letting the win slip. If it is to draw, you have to hold out for 15 moves without reaching a lost position, or force a draw by the rules, with a stalemate for example.