Navigating the Complexities of Long Endgames in Chess

Insights from Valery Golubenko on Historical Matches and FIDE Rules

What to Do About Very Long Endings

By Valery Golubenko

In the intricate world of chess, the endgame can often be a battleground of endurance and strategy, particularly in complex scenarios involving minimal pieces. In his insightful book, Mark Dvoretsky delves into this topic in the chapter “Queen and Pawn vs. Queen,” highlighting a fascinating game that underscores the nuances of long endings.

One pivotal moment in chess history occurred when legendary player Mikhail Botvinnik faced a critical decision in a game against Paul Keres. Botvinnik, in a seemingly innocuous position, made a grave error by delivering a check on f4, which led to a draw. However, he ultimately triumphed, thanks to Keres’ earlier analysis of a similar ending against Grigory Ravinsky. Keres had mistakenly concluded that the safest squares for the defending king were a4 and a5, leading to Ravinsky’s downfall. Today, my analysis reveals that the truly secure squares are h8, h7, and h6—an important distinction that could have altered the game’s outcome.

According to the Nalimov Tablebases, White can achieve checkmate in 60 moves from the initial position. However, for a human player, executing more than 45 moves before obtaining a second queen is nearly impossible. After Minev’s blunder, the required moves for checkmate dropped dramatically to just 35, allowing Botvinnik to convert the game into a victory.

The evolution of chess regulations regarding long endings has been equally intriguing. In 1984, FIDE modified the 50-move rule to accommodate specific hard-to-win endgames, including Rook and Bishop vs. Rook and Two Knights vs. a Pawn. Yet, just five years later, the limit was reduced to 75 moves after the infamous game between Ivan Nikolić and Goran Arsović, which ended in a staggering 269 moves. This game, played under the extended rule, raised questions about the necessity of including certain endgames in the exceptions list.

As chess engines advanced, revealing even more positions requiring over 50 moves for a win, FIDE reinstated the 50-move rule universally in 2001. This decision left many puzzled about the underlying logic. Finally, in 2014, FIDE introduced an automatic draw after 75 moves, a rule that was notably applied in the game Gorkov vs. Golubenko.

Reflecting on the Nikolić-Arsović game, it becomes clear that it should have concluded after Black’s 161st move. The pawn on d5 was captured only on move 167, yet the game continued under the 100-move rule, leading to an exhausting marathon of play. The tournament table from the Serbian chess magazine Mat reveals that this match was not just a test of skill but also a potential entry into the Guinness Book of Records for the longest game in history.

In the world of chess, where every move counts, the implications of long endings extend beyond the board. They challenge players to think critically about strategy, endurance, and the evolving nature of the game itself.

About the Author
Valery Golubenko is a FIDE Trainer and former Estonian Rapid Chess Champion. With a PhD in Applied Mathematics, he has made significant contributions to both chess and academia. A devoted father, he celebrates the achievements of his daughters, Valentina and Alexandra, who continue to make their mark in the chess world.