Dvoretsky's Endgame Manual

by Mark Dvoretsky

The Fourth Edition of a Modern Classic

When you are serious about improving your endgame skills, it is time for Dvoretsky's Endgame Manual. Perhaps the best known and most respected instructor of world class chessplayers, Mark Dvoretsky has produced a comprehensive work on the endgame that will reward players of all strengths. For those ready to immerse themselves in endgame theory, there may be no better manual available today.

But, even if you do not play at master level, the book has been designed to help your endgame too. Basic theories and "must-know" concepts are highlighted in blue. You may skip the more complex analysis, focus on the text in blue, and still improve your endgame technique.

When it appeared in 2003, the first edition of Dvoretsky's Endgame Manual was immediately recognized by novice and master alike as one of the best books ever published on the endgame. The enlarged and revised Fourth Edition is better than ever!

"I am sure that those who study this work carefully will not only play the endgame better, but overall, their play will improve. One of the secrets of the Russian chess school is now before you, dear reader!" - From the Foreword to the First Edition by Grandmaster Artur Yusupov

"Going through this book will certainly improve your endgame knowledge, but just as important, it will also greatly improve your ability to calculate variations... What really impresses me is the deep level of analysis in the book... All I can say is: This is a great book. I hope it will bring you as much pleasure as it has me." - From the Preface to the First Edition by International Grandmaster Jacob Aagaard

Here's what they had to say about the First Edition:

"Dvoretsky's Endgame Manual ... may well be the chess book of the year... [It] comes close to an ultimate one-volume manual on the endgame." - Lubomir Kavalek in his chess column of December 1, 2003 in the Washington Post.

"Dvoretsky's Endgame Manual is quite simply a masterpiece of research and insight. It is a tremendous contribution to endgame literature, certainly the most important one in many years, and destined to be a classic of the literature (if it isn't already one). The famous trainer Mark Dvoretsky has put together a vast number of examples that he has not only collected, but analysed and tested with some of the world's strongest players. This is a particularly important book from the standpoint of clarifying, correcting, and extending the theory

Genres: Chess, Nonfiction, Reference, Games, Textbooks

424 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2004

Reviews

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book about a decade ago. It’s on my list for a full reread. Dvorestky’s endgame manual is probably the most difficult and thorough endgame book out there and completely essential for any serious chess player. I don’t think it’s a suitable book for anyone under 2000.

[Mariano Cascio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most profound and detailed endgame book out there. Classic Russian school of chess, Dvoretsky is widely considered one of the best, if not the very best chess instructors for advanced players in the world. He demonstrates what one really has to know and master to play chess on a very high level.

[Nima Torkamannejad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic job by great Mark Dvoretsky. without any doubt this is best chess endgame book in history of chess and must read for any ambitious chess player who wants to be grandmaster someday. of course I was reading the latest (4nd edition).

[Akshay Basavaraj · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to learn endgames and improve your chess calculations. This is the book! Dvoretsky combines theory with practice problems whilst citing examples from famous games across the century. You can have a good opening, a decent middle game but, the endgame is all that matters.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dvoretsky was a legendary Russian trainer and my endgame technique improved dramatically after working through the book.

[Christian Miller-Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What stands out most to me is how practical the material is. It’s not just theory for theory’s sake—Dvoretsky includes examples from real games, which helps you see how these endgame principles apply in actual competition. The "Dvoretsky’s Secrets" sections are pure gold, highlighting key positions and shortcuts that simplify complex scenarios. I’ve already started recognizing some of these patterns in my own games.

That said, this book isn’t a walk in the park. It’s dense and assumes you already have a solid foundation in endgames. For me, there were moments when I had to reread sections or set up positions on a board to fully understand them. But honestly, that’s part of what makes it so rewarding. If you’re willing to invest the time and effort, this book will transform the way you approach endgames.

[AbdElsatar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A masterpiece and an essential resource for chess players of high levels who are serious about improving their endgame skills.
While beneficial for all levels aiming to improve, it might be overwhelming as a first endgame book for someone with very little endgame knowledge.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it, play it, sleep with it.

[MadNutella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely comprehensive, but requires a lot of studying

[Bo Oemig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeg har downloadet - ikke 3 men 4 version af skak slutspilsbogen direkte til min Kindle. Om det vil tage mig 1 eller 10 år at læse den, have fornøjelse af at læse den, er slet ikke så vigtigt. Det er ikke så meget en bog man læser fra start til slut men snarer en bog man slår op i når man vil studere et bestemt slutspil. Dvoreskys bog om slutspil regnes for bogen! Men selvfølgelig er der hundredvis af andre gode slutspilsbøger.

[Ashok Shrivatri · Rating 4 out of 5]

thanks

[Raymond 8E]

good book helps improve your endgame to as good as possible