1001 Chess Endgames Excercises for Beginners

1001 Chess Endgames Exercises for Beginners by Thomas Willemze is an English-language paperback chess book that uses endgame positions to teach tactical ideas in a practical, beginner-friendly way.

What this book covers

The book starts from a simple idea: endgames are one of the clearest places to learn tactics. With fewer pieces on the board, the key ideas are easier to see, so beginners can focus on the moves that really matter — winning material, finding mate, using king activity and making the most of a passed pawn.

Thomas Willemze combines clear endgame instruction with a large set of exercises for self-study. The material is organised thematically and built up step by step, which makes it suitable for regular study as well as shorter daily training sessions.

How the author approaches the subject

Drawing on his coaching experience and his knowledge of the Step Method, Willemze leads the reader from simple positions to more demanding tasks. He shows the role of each piece and each stage of the endgame, from a lone pawn to the queen. That structure helps you solve the diagrams and recognise similar ideas in your own games.

If you want to improve your tactical awareness without jumping straight into crowded opening or middlegame positions, this is a sensible place to start. Endgames make the logic of each move easier to follow, and that understanding carries over into the rest of the game.

Edition information

• Language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• Page count: 312 pages
• Author: Thomas Willemze
• Publisher: New In Chess

Thomas Willemze is an International Master from the Netherlands. He has coached amateur players at different levels for years and has also served as the national youth coach for the Dutch Chess Federation. New In Chess has also published his books The Chess Toolbox and The Scandinavian for Club Players.

Key details

• Product type: chess book
• Title: 1001 Chess Endgames Exercises for Beginners
• Author: Thomas Willemze
• Language: English
• Binding: paperback
• Page count: 312 pages
• Subject: chess endgames and tactics
• Audience: beginners