The endgame is the final phase of a chess game.  It may seem easy since there are very few pieces left, but often it is not.  Some of the most difficult play in chess comes in the endgame.  Good endgame technique is the sign of a strong chess player.

In the endgame, most of the pieces have been captured.  All that remains are the kings, some pawns, and maybe a few pieces.  The pieces are usually not enough to win the game, though.  To win in the endgame, you must use your king and your pawns.

When you put the opponent in checkmate, you win the game.  When the opponent puts you in checkmate, you lose the game.  The game ends with checkmate. 

There is another way for you to win the game, though, and that is when the opponent gives up or resigns.  It may not be checkmate yet, but the opponent may think he has no chance to win the game, or even to get a draw.  He wants to quit right away, before the checkmate comes.

There are three ways to attack the king.  It is very important to know all three ways, and the differences between them.

1)  Check: When the king is under attack by one of the opponent’s pieces, the king is in check.  When your king is in check, you must get out of check.  You are never allowed to make a move that leaves your king in check.  You are also never allowed to make a move that puts your king in check.  It is against the rules.  This also means that the king can never be captured, because it can never be left under attack.