Learn · master endgames · Won from an equal position
Vasily Smyslov – Paul Keres
URS Absolute-ch 1941 · Two rooks vs. two rooks · 0-1
Start of the endgame, move 32
The story
From the 1941 absolute championship of the USSR. After 34.♖xe4 a rook endgame remains, and only 35.♖e2 tips the value towards Black. Keres' king walks forward and takes the d-pawn with 44…♔xd4; later he gives the c-pawn – 58…c2+ 59.♔xc2 – and takes the a-pawn with 59…♖xa3.
The value along the endgame
↑ above: White better ↓ below: Black better
The moves from the start of the endgame
Values: Stockfish 19 at depth 24 with a time limit, for White in pawns; from five men or fewer the verdict of the Syzygy tablebase. A measurement that did not reach the depth does not count.