Calm in the endgame

When most pieces are gone, the game changes character. The king, which hid all game, becomes a fighting piece and should walk towards the centre.

Endgames reward patience more than brilliance. Small things matter: a pawn one square further forward, a king one step closer. Many games that look drawn are won by the player who calmly improves their position one move at a time.

Replay an old endgame slowly and notice how often the winning side makes a quiet move rather than a capture.