---
title: Capablanca’s Endgame Trick You Need to Know
description: Today I want to share with you one of the most spectacular endgame ideas (by the way, this idea is quite common in many endgames!). The position comes from a game between Capablanca and Tartakower. Capablanca, the 3rd World Champion, is considered one of the greatest endgame specialists – so he’s definitely someone you should learn from.
image: https://image.lichess1.org/display?fmt=webp&h=550&op=thumbnail&path=ublog:5HC3mZ94:mwjiecTU.webp&w=880&sig=9140b66b035d9a2800b3fd240679a500e48f613d
---

**White to move – can you find the winning idea?**
![image.png](https://image.lichess1.org/display?fmt=png&h=0&op=resize&path=ublogBody:a6JgmqxkZOwn:0quK1eKW.png&w=800&sig=9a8d5d2834ae3ae75cdef8271855d23f2953dcd3)
In the endgame, first thing - **activate your king.**
There’s not much left on the board, so the king is usually safe - and it can completely change the game. (Only exceptions: queen endgames or 4-rook positions - there, you still need to be careful.)
An active king is often worth around 4 points, so it really matters.

Second thing - **create a passed pawn.**
With fewer pieces, pawns become more valuable. And a passed pawn is your biggest weapon—it can become a queen, and your opponent can’t just ignore it.
There are 2 main plans with passed pawns:
1\. Push it and promote – with help from your king\, rook\, or other pawns\.
2\. Use it as a decoy – push it to distract the opponent’s pieces\, then switch play to the other side\.

***

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And when it comes to rook endgames - activity beats everything.

I’ve never seen anyone win with a passive rook.
Forget about grabbing pawns - **get your rook active**, especially on the 7th rank or an open file.

https://lichess.org/study/9F8Nnwkk/8MHlRncN

That game is a **role model game** for me (check the whole game below). A standard opening without any fireworks, a strategic middlegame with no big complications and lots of exchanges, and truly fantastic play in the endgame. **What’s your role model game?**

https://lichess.org/study/9F8Nnwkk/u3e8WlLk

And small dessert for the end:
![](https://image.lichess1.org/display?fmt=webp&h=0&op=resize&path=ublogBody:H2ydjOCTytQZ:AGnE1wBp.jpg&w=800&sig=c9f216bf1161c8a2a4ef79b961ae9a2665f47979)