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Winning Conversion Techniques in Chess Endgames
Having an advantage is not enough—you must know how to convert it. In endgames, a small lead can slip away without accurate technique. This page outlines the most important methods to reliably turn your edge into a full point.
1. Activate Your King
- The active king often makes the difference—bring it forward to dominate key squares.
2. Simplify When Ahead
- Trade pieces, not pawns. Keep winning chances while reducing counterplay.
- Simplify into a known winning position (e.g., Lucena, winning king and pawn).
3. Use Triangulation and Opposition
- Gain the opposition in king and pawn endings to force the enemy king back.
- Use triangulation to waste a move and put your opponent in zugzwang.
4. Cut Off the King
- In rook endings, use your rook to keep the enemy king away from the action.
- A cut-off king is often helpless to stop passed pawns or repeated checks.
5. Push Passed Pawns with Care
- Support them with pieces or king first—don’t rush and overextend.
- Don’t push too far if it makes your pawn a target.
6. Avoid Time Pressure and Premature Trades
- Know the critical ideas before you trade into an endgame—check if it's truly winning.
- Don’t simplify unless you’re confident in the resulting position.
Classic Examples
- Capablanca: Step-by-step conversions using active king and pawn breaks.
- Karpov: Slow strangulation combined with precise technique and simplification.
- Carlsen: Uses endgame grind and relentless improvement to convert slight edges.