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Why is it that most strong chess players recommend to other players a definite study of the endgame? Because it is the surest road to winning, and quick improvement, when playing those protracted or strategic struggles.

And what about our author, International Master C.J.S. Purdy, what was his stance? In How Purdy Won, The Correspondence Chess Career of a World Champion, the vast majority of Purdy's wins in the finals were in the endgame - the proof is always in the actual examples.

In Purdy's Guide to Good Chess he espoused the endgame, even offering some important advice missing from many instructional manuals.

Now, in On the Endgame, Purdy's wisdom on the endgame from his chess publications Australasian Chess Review, Check, and his legendary Chess World, offer anecdotal stories and great examples on one of the most pleasant ways to learn the last phase of chess, the endgame.

The topics are entirely practical and offer anyone a significant opportunity to improve their handling of the pieces as well as learn their true value when that time comes to cash in the point: The Horwitz Bishop, Bridge Building, and an original contribution by Purdy (A Fascinating Battle Between Rook and Bishop, singled out by endgame expert Karsten Müller in his Foreword) are only a sampling of the 19 chapters which are loaded with expert advice.

The late Cecil Purdy was a brilliant expositor of good chess play, writing, and teaching; Prof. Ralph Tykodi compiled and coaxed; Frank Hutchings and John Purdy co-edited; and Grandmaster Karsten Müller checked the book for accuracy and made valuable improvements.