1001 Chess Endgame Exercises for Beginners

Master Tactics Where It Matters Most—In the Endgame

Tactics are the heart of chess, and there’s no better place to sharpen them than in the clarity of the endgame. With fewer pieces on the board, you can focus on the essentials—winning material or delivering checkmate—without distractions.

In 1001 Chess Endgame Exercises for Beginners, International Master Thomas Willemze combines clear instruction with targeted practice. Each chapter introduces a fundamental tactical theme, followed by dozens of carefully selected puzzles to help you build skill and confidence. From the humble pawn to the powerful queen, you’ll discover the unique strengths of every piece.

Drawing on his deep coaching experience and the renowned Step Method, Willemze guides you step-by-step from simple patterns to more advanced combinations—perfect for beginners looking to improve quickly through practical training.

Willemze, a seasoned trainer and former National Youth Coach of the Dutch Chess Federation, is also the author of The Chess Toolbox and The Scandinavian for Club Players, both praised by players and critics alike.