Dan Heisman's Improve Your Chess
Endgame Series: Vallejo Pons-Carlsen Sao Paulo 2012

In his new series on endgames, NM Heisman selects GM/master games that are decided in the endgame, showing the entire game but concentrating on the endgame play. The idea is to present practical, instructive endgames of all types, not just "theoretical" positions or difficult wins, although any type of endgame may be included. These videos are aimed at players with USCF/FIDE ratings in the range of 1100-1900; however, players outside that range may benefit as well.

Today's show: Carlsen offers a queen trade at the start of the opening, forfeiting the right to castle. Vallejo Pons accepts and an equal queenless middlegame results. In a position which looks like Vallejo Pons might have a slight advantage, the computer rates the chances as equal. Carlsen slowly outplays Vallejo Pons and gains some winning chances. Finally Vallejo Pons prematurely offers a trade of rooks and the resultant bishop vs knight endgame is won for Carlsen, which he shows with his normally outstanding technique.

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