Grandmaster Edmar Mednis, a world expert on the endgame, shows how to proceed in the minimum number of moves from the opening to a favourable endgame, essentially bypassing the middlegame. He discusses eleven different openings, including both open and closed systems, in each case explaining the best routes to particular endgame positions. These positions are then analysed, using master games, to illustrate various winning plans. Because of the clear exposition of endgame principles the student will learn not only about these specific positions, but also about endgame play in general.