Answers.Body: <p>for all games in magnus carlsen world standard and world fischer random chess championship matches (basically <a href="https://chess.stackexchange.com/questions/33832/what-are-all-the-world-chess-championships-such-that">all world championship matches except world rapid and world blitz</a>)</p>
  <hr />
  <p><strong>Average throughout all championships</strong>:</p>
  <p>for all: (13+10+11+12+10+12+8+14+11+14+14+13+12+12+14+10+12+12+9+9+10+14+12+12+14+11+12+13+12+11+6+16+15+14+12+14+8+10+9+12+11+10+10+10+14+7+5+12+14+14+14+12+9+6+12+5+11+10+8+6+11+9)/(4+2+4+11+11+12+10+8)=11.1129032258... ~ 11.11</p>
  <p>for all classical (and thus excluding 9LX huhu): (13+10+11+12+10+12+8+14+11+14+14+13+12+12+14+10+12+12+9+9+10+14+12+12+14+11+12+13+12+11+6+16+15+14+12+14+8+10+9+12+11+10+10+10+14+7+5+12+14+14+14+12)/(11+11+12+10+8)=11.5769230769... ~ 11.58</p>
  <p>for all rapid including 9LX: (9+6+12+5+11+10+8+6+11+9)/(4+2+4)=8.7</p>
  <p>for all rapid excluding 9LX: (11+10+8+6+11+9)/6 = 9.1666666666... ~ 9.17</p>
  <hr />
  <p><strong>Average by championship</strong>, rounded to 2 decimal places:</p>
  <div class="s-table-container">
  <table class="s-table">
  <thead>
  <tr>
  <th>Championship</th>
  <th>Average</th>
  </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
  <tr>
  <td>2021 vs nepo</td>
  <td>11.73</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <td>2019 vs wesley (which was all rapid)</td>
  <td>08.00</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <td>2018 vs fabi (classical only)</td>
  <td>11.55</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <td>2018 vs fabi (classical and rapid)</td>
  <td>11.38</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <td>2018 vs fabi (rapid only)</td>
  <td>10.50</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <td>2016 vs sergey (classical only)</td>
  <td>12.33</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <td>2016 vs sergey (classical and rapid)</td>
  <td>11.38</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <td>2016 vs sergey (rapid only)</td>
  <td>08.50</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <td>2014 vs vishy</td>
  <td>10.60</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <td>2013 vs vishy</td>
  <td>11.50</td>
  </tr>
  </tbody>
  </table>
  </div>
  <p><strong>Remarks</strong>:</p>
  <ol>
  <li><p>the lowest average in all these (8 pawns) is the 1 that magnus lost namely to wesley so in 2019 fischer random world championship. of course all those games were rapid.</p>
  </li>
  <li><p>Lowest in classical only is 10.60 in 2014 vs vishy. the 3 rapid only entries are all below 10.60: they are 08.00, 10.50 and 08.50. I guess pawns have a higher mortality rate in rapid compared to classical.</p>
  </li>
  </ol>
  <hr />
  <p>2021 vs nepo</p>
  <p><a href="https://lichess.org/study/1NIB7sSp" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://lichess.org/study/1NIB7sSp</a></p>
  <p>1 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/1NIB7sSp/nDuokoE5" rel="nofollow noreferrer">13</a></p>
  <p>2 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/1NIB7sSp/63R2CC8E" rel="nofollow noreferrer">10</a></p>
  <p>3 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/1NIB7sSp/FPoHYMUr" rel="nofollow noreferrer">11</a></p>
  <p>4 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/1NIB7sSp/dSf0d6LS" rel="nofollow noreferrer">12</a></p>
  <p>5 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/1NIB7sSp/ZviuiZ6f" rel="nofollow noreferrer">10</a></p>
  <p>6 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/1NIB7sSp/dffoJlfR" rel="nofollow noreferrer">12</a></p>
  <p>7 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/1NIB7sSp/r0VBjIUi" rel="nofollow noreferrer">8</a></p>
  <p>8 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/1NIB7sSp/RuvOfr3O" rel="nofollow noreferrer">14</a></p>
  <p>9 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/1NIB7sSp/j6ZeRee2" rel="nofollow noreferrer">11</a></p>
  <p>10 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/1NIB7sSp/hs17TtW4" rel="nofollow noreferrer">14</a></p>
  <p>11 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/1NIB7sSp/OH72jiGS" rel="nofollow noreferrer">14</a></p>
  <p>average: (13+10+11+12+10+12+8+14+11+14+14)/11=11.727272...</p>
  <hr />
  <p>2019 vs wesley</p>
  <p><a href="https://lichess.org/broadcast/fischer-random-championship-finals-game-1/-/DM0hC3u1" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://lichess.org/broadcast/fischer-random-championship-finals-game-1/-/DM0hC3u1</a></p>
  <p>1 - <a href="https://lichess.org/broadcast/fischer-random-championship-finals-game-1/-/DM0hC3u1" rel="nofollow noreferrer">9</a></p>
  <p>2 - <a href="https://lichess.org/broadcast/fischer-random-championship-finals-game-2/-/QyqmRYgT" rel="nofollow noreferrer">6</a></p>
  <p>3 - <a href="https://lichess.org/broadcast/fischer-random-championship-finals-game-3/-/SHljkTy4" rel="nofollow noreferrer">12</a></p>
  <p>4 - <a href="https://lichess.org/broadcast/fischer-random-championship-finals-game-4/-/AS8MuiPN" rel="nofollow noreferrer">5</a></p>
  <p>5 - <a href="https://lichess.org/broadcast/fischer-random-championship-finals-game-5/-/TYRLiqxv" rel="nofollow noreferrer">N/A</a></p>
  <p>6 - <a href="https://lichess.org/broadcast/fischer-random-championship-finals-game-6/-/xhpI3MtT" rel="nofollow noreferrer">N/A</a></p>
  <p>average (all rapid): (9+6+12+5)/4=8</p>
  <hr />
  <p>2018 vs fabi</p>
  <p><a href="https://lichess.org/study/fCum15PU" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://lichess.org/study/fCum15PU</a></p>
  <p>1 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/fCum15PU/MjZu9a7k" rel="nofollow noreferrer">13</a></p>
  <p>2 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/fCum15PU/x1qOQ1iK" rel="nofollow noreferrer">12</a></p>
  <p>3 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/fCum15PU/4kUWEemi" rel="nofollow noreferrer">12</a></p>
  <p>4 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/fCum15PU/nRRHALbA" rel="nofollow noreferrer">14</a></p>
  <p>5 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/fCum15PU/udy8ezNo" rel="nofollow noreferrer">10</a></p>
  <p>6 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/fCum15PU/xcabYHfK" rel="nofollow noreferrer">12</a></p>
  <p>7 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/fCum15PU/A7gYIcxG" rel="nofollow noreferrer">12</a></p>
  <p>8 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/fCum15PU/WVv47Mk2" rel="nofollow noreferrer">9</a></p>
  <p>9 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/fCum15PU/8LIj7sKb" rel="nofollow noreferrer">9</a></p>
  <p>10 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/fCum15PU/VpuF2yVQ" rel="nofollow noreferrer">10</a></p>
  <p>11 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/fCum15PU/sq97Zio8" rel="nofollow noreferrer">14</a></p>
  <p>12 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/fCum15PU/cdw4dqyu" rel="nofollow noreferrer">N/A</a></p>
  <p>T1 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/fCum15PU/5eYxFKB4" rel="nofollow noreferrer">11</a></p>
  <p>T2 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/fCum15PU/84jWPJte" rel="nofollow noreferrer">N/A</a></p>
  <p>T3 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/fCum15PU/WRuVkHBM" rel="nofollow noreferrer">10</a></p>
  <p>average (classical only): (13+12+12+14+10+12+12+9+9+10+14)/11=11.545454...</p>
  <p>average (classical and rapid): (13+12+12+14+10+12+12+9+9+10+14+11+10)/13=11.3846153846...</p>
  <p>average (rapid only): (11+10)/2=10.5</p>
  <hr />
  <p>2016 vs sergey</p>
  <p><a href="https://lichess.org/study/vENPCM25" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://lichess.org/study/vENPCM25</a></p>
  <p>1 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/vENPCM25/IcO95dAl" rel="nofollow noreferrer">12</a></p>
  <p>2 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/vENPCM25/csQMrsvl" rel="nofollow noreferrer">12</a></p>
  <p>3 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/vENPCM25/x4jTEm1L" rel="nofollow noreferrer">14</a></p>
  <p>4 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/vENPCM25/7MNDhQJI" rel="nofollow noreferrer">11</a></p>
  <p>5 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/vENPCM25/pHVQYIVs" rel="nofollow noreferrer">12</a></p>
  <p>6 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/vENPCM25/ZmV7RuIm" rel="nofollow noreferrer">13</a></p>
  <p>7 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/vENPCM25/BOHrDIHi" rel="nofollow noreferrer">12</a></p>
  <p>8 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/vENPCM25/wkuvptDc" rel="nofollow noreferrer">11</a></p>
  <p>9 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/vENPCM25/E1ZujQDY" rel="nofollow noreferrer">6</a></p>
  <p>10 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/vENPCM25/CtnXiIkN" rel="nofollow noreferrer">16</a></p>
  <p>11 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/vENPCM25/Zos4PiR0" rel="nofollow noreferrer">15</a></p>
  <p>12 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/vENPCM25/1fgYVe4c" rel="nofollow noreferrer">14</a></p>
  <p>T1 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/vENPCM25/raM4vyAy" rel="nofollow noreferrer">8</a></p>
  <p>T2 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/vENPCM25/DZeN3Zpz" rel="nofollow noreferrer">6</a></p>
  <p>T3 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/vENPCM25/Yn4Aaulx" rel="nofollow noreferrer">11</a></p>
  <p>T4 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/vENPCM25/Q6rgMdfD" rel="nofollow noreferrer">9</a></p>
  <p>average (classical only): (12+12+14+11+12+13+12+11+6+16+15+14)/12=12.3333333333</p>
  <p>average (classical and rapid): (12+12+14+11+12+13+12+11+6+16+15+14+8+6+11+9)/16=11.375</p>
  <p>average (rapid only): (8+6+11+9)/4=8.5</p>
  <hr />
  <p>2014 vs vishy</p>
  <p><a href="https://lichess.org/study/nurfx2OL" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://lichess.org/study/nurfx2OL</a></p>
  <p>1 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/nurfx2OL/Z42Dyl6S" rel="nofollow noreferrer">12</a></p>
  <p>2 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/nurfx2OL/pO3VsSUS" rel="nofollow noreferrer">14</a></p>
  <p>3 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/nurfx2OL/319OcmZy" rel="nofollow noreferrer">8</a></p>
  <p>4 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/nurfx2OL/tMsL34Tz" rel="nofollow noreferrer">10</a></p>
  <p>5 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/nurfx2OL/cIXcpYau" rel="nofollow noreferrer">9</a></p>
  <p>6 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/nurfx2OL/bMrqJA0Z" rel="nofollow noreferrer">12</a></p>
  <p>7 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/nurfx2OL/yYpH17Ot" rel="nofollow noreferrer">11</a></p>
  <p>8 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/nurfx2OL/fXdyHttM" rel="nofollow noreferrer">10</a></p>
  <p>9 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/nurfx2OL/FW2XY9vE" rel="nofollow noreferrer">N/A</a></p>
  <p>10 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/nurfx2OL/6BlHQKO2" rel="nofollow noreferrer">10</a></p>
  <p>11 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/nurfx2OL/XdwtzYNz" rel="nofollow noreferrer">10</a></p>
  <p>average: (12+14+8+10+9+12+11+10+10+10)/10=10.6</p>
  <hr />
  <p>2013 vs vishy</p>
  <p><a href="https://lichess.org/study/9xUbdEqD" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://lichess.org/study/9xUbdEqD</a></p>
  <p>1 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/9xUbdEqD/vOPf0T1A" rel="nofollow noreferrer">N/A</a></p>
  <p>2 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/9xUbdEqD/hRCY0iaO" rel="nofollow noreferrer">14</a></p>
  <p>3 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/9xUbdEqD/PFv2RXJ4" rel="nofollow noreferrer">7</a></p>
  <p>4 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/9xUbdEqD/RD3Ujg9J" rel="nofollow noreferrer">5</a></p>
  <p>5 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/9xUbdEqD/k2XtWVnh" rel="nofollow noreferrer">12</a></p>
  <p>6 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/9xUbdEqD/zoyjSR2a" rel="nofollow noreferrer">14</a></p>
  <p>7 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/9xUbdEqD/xr8AeSDX" rel="nofollow noreferrer">14</a></p>
  <p>8 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/9xUbdEqD/alzje4Kw" rel="nofollow noreferrer">14</a></p>
  <p>9 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/9xUbdEqD/QVRyvXV3" rel="nofollow noreferrer">N/A</a></p>
  <p>10 - <a href="https://lichess.org/study/9xUbdEqD/FPXvTybG" rel="nofollow noreferrer">12</a></p>
  <p>average: (14+7+5+12+14+14+14+12)/8=11.5</p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2021-12-20T21:17:40.027Z
Answers.Text: This answer could be greatly improved with formatting for future visitors in mind.
Answers.UserDisplayName: SecretAgentMan
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2022-01-23T06:42:34.457Z
Answers.Text: @SecretAgentMan probably. i just didn't think anyone cared about my dumb questions or answers. hehe. thanks. what do you suggest?
Answers.UserDisplayName: BCLC
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2022-01-23T13:14:47.507Z
Answers.Text: Not sure...maybe WCC across the columns ([see here](https://meta.stackexchange.com/questions/356997/new-feature-table-support)).
Answers.UserDisplayName: SecretAgentMan
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2022-01-23T14:39:24.577Z
Answers.Text: @SecretAgentMan oh thanks. i added something!
Answers.UserDisplayName: BCLC
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2021-12-19T00:28:10.997Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2022-01-23T14:38:42.980Z
Answers.LastEditDate: 2022-01-23T14:38:42.980Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: BCLC
Answers.Body: <p>It is impossible to predict the number because there are more possible outcomes in chess than in any other game I can think of. When you play in the first 15 moves &quot;most&quot; games will lose 2-4 pawns and at the end of a game with Grandmasters or Masters, the number can range from 4-2 pawns on the board because they tend to sacrifice the pawns for an advantage. But for 1 advanced player and one beginner player you could end up having 6 pawns on both sides because the beginner player will most likely lose in fewer moves than 2 advanced players. If 2 beginner players are playing it could go from 5-8 because they tend to play quicker and not spend time analyzing the board.</p>
  <p>Some people define the endgame as the last 5 pieces while come define it as the last 10-20 moves or when one player has a major advantage. When you say average you have to count all if not most of the possible outcomes so you should the number depends on the type of player (defensive or attacking), Strength of player (Rating), Time control (5 min, 30 min, 1 hr).
  Many GMs play defensively, and many beginner players prefer attacking their opponent's pieces. So there is no real definite answer but it depends on what kind of player you play.</p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2021-12-03T01:58:32.717Z
Answers.Text: 1 - 'Some people define it as the last 5 pieces ' --> ok let's do 6 like lichess assuming 'it' is start of endgame ? 2 - why can't we apply what you're saying to [average number of moves per game](https://chess.stackexchange.com/questions/2506/what-is-the-average-length-of-a-game-of-chess)? 3 - in my own games i found the average is at least 10. was what i did somehow invalid?
Answers.UserDisplayName: BCLC
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2021-12-03T03:20:44.490Z
Answers.Text: 3 - Of course not. I mean number of pawns per side (Dark and light).
Answers.UserDisplayName: Varun W.
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2021-12-03T11:54:54.627Z
Answers.Text: Varun W. -  rephrase: in my own games i found the average is at least 5 per side. was what i did somehow invalid? (FYI i didn't downvote)
Answers.UserDisplayName: BCLC
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2021-12-04T20:17:07.983Z
Answers.Text: what happened to your comments? btw i said before i didn't downvote but i newly downvoted because you didn't answer my other questions eg about the number moves of per game. (weird how downvote explanations get removed it's like how can answers improve otherwise?)
Answers.UserDisplayName: BCLC
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2021-12-04T21:10:08.310Z
Answers.Text: I did not delete my comments but where are there
Answers.UserDisplayName: Varun W.
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2021-12-05T14:19:15.383Z
Answers.Text: I really don't think the answer is impossible to find. Just get a set of games and look! Yes, it will vary by player, but there's still going to be an average.
Answers.UserDisplayName: D M
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2021-12-05T15:28:00.710Z
Answers.Text: Yes but this question is asking for ALL games not by player
Answers.UserDisplayName: Varun W.
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2021-12-05T20:32:10.280Z
Answers.Text: Varun W. not every single game in history. hmmm....what do you suggest? a specific sample size like say world chess championships?
Answers.UserDisplayName: BCLC
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2021-12-06T00:03:55.733Z
Answers.Text: Oh could you please update the question to just world championships.
Answers.UserDisplayName: Varun W.
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2021-12-06T00:12:13.280Z
Answers.Text: Also, could you please define your definition of endgame like as a recordable way not opinion based.
Answers.UserDisplayName: Varun W.
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2021-12-07T00:34:35.410Z
Answers.Text: Varun W. ok edited post. you can choose your own sample eg world championship games except 2021. definition of endgames you can choose for example 6 pieces (except kings and pawns) or less. and ok fine i'll remove my downvote
Answers.UserDisplayName: BCLC
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2021-12-02T23:06:34.787Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2022-01-14T13:42:58.293Z
Answers.LastEditDate: 2022-01-14T13:42:58.293Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: Varun W.
Answers.Body: <p>Not on average, but in general, there are 1 to 6 pawns in the endgame (7 and 8 excluded because that is statistically impossible.</p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2021-12-07T23:01:16.083Z
Answers.Text: I don't think 7 and 8 pawns are statistically impossible at all. Players can just exchange all their minor and major pieces if they wanted to. Also, you have now included all possibilities of pawns... e.g. 1-6 and not 7 or 8, which doesn't really answer the question!
Answers.UserDisplayName: odinchess.com
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2021-12-08T00:48:25.203Z
Answers.Text: any references? statistics? and is it 1 to 6 per player? or total? no offense downvoting until this is clarified
Answers.UserDisplayName: BCLC
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2021-12-20T21:17:55.360Z
Answers.Text: What is the basis for your answer?
Answers.UserDisplayName: SecretAgentMan
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2021-12-07T22:48:08.933Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2021-12-07T22:48:08.933Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: user30492
Body: <p><strong>Question</strong>: On average, how many pawns are there at the start of the endgame?</p>
  <p>To answer:</p>
  <ol>
  <li><p>You can choose your definition of the <a href="https://chess.stackexchange.com/questions/19317/calculation-for-game-phase/19319#19319">endgame</a> as long as you can show a credible reference that supports your choice of definition. What I have in mind is the same as lichess which I understand to be 6 or fewer non-pawn and non-king pieces.</p>
  </li>
  <li><p>You may answer for both sides total (e.g.,  10 pawns total on average) or for just 1 side (e.g., 5 pawns per side on average).</p>
  </li>
  <li><p>As to the sample...maybe the same/similar sample from which <a href="https://chess.stackexchange.com/questions/2506/what-is-the-average-length-of-a-game-of-chess">38 moves average was obtained</a>.</p>
  </li>
  </ol>
  <ul>
  <li>3.1. <strong>You can pick your own sample</strong> like, say, all standard world championships except 2021. Or 21st century standard world championships except 2021</li>
  </ul>
  <p>What I tried:</p>
  <ul>
  <li>Checking out some of my recent games on lichess (that reached the endgame), I see a lot of my games have at least 10 pawns. A few of my games have 6 or lower though. I estimate the average is at least 10 pawns.</li>
  </ul>
  <p>Little context:</p>
  <ul>
  <li><p>I think <a href="https://chess.stackexchange.com/questions/27638/is-choker-balanced">choker</a> has too few pawns, relative to start of the endgame of regular chess/9LX. I want to verify/disprove this conjecture by seeing the average in actual games. In particular, choker seems to have, on average, 5 pawns total for both players. This is about half what I think the average for start of endgame in regular chess/9LX is.</p>
  </li>
  <li><p><strong>Alternative question</strong>: Is the average number of pawns probably significantly greater than 5 (total, not per player)?</p>
  </li>
  </ul>
  
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2021-11-20T17:09:51.420Z
Comments.Text: I find this question interesting. It's best put to people interested in standard chess statistics, not variants.
Comments.UserDisplayName: Mobeus Zoom
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2021-11-20T17:49:11.027Z
Comments.Text: you do not do yourself any favours by undoing edits, that people make (often with considerable effort) to make your questions presentable, in order to restore unreadably casual language and large volumes of irrelevant extraneous details.
Comments.UserDisplayName: Mobeus Zoom
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2021-11-21T18:35:33.893Z
Comments.Text: I find it interesting too (*figures*/types can be easily googled) and strongly suggest replacing "however" by "officers at most 9 P~=1Q~=2RR~=3NNN, any pawns, for both sides". Whereas this can be questioned, it's quite realistic aaaaand, it can be easily queried on a megabase.
Comments.UserDisplayName: Hauke Reddmann
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2021-11-21T20:07:55.867Z
Comments.Text: @HaukeReddmann like how please?
Comments.UserDisplayName: BCLC
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2021-11-22T08:11:34.473Z
Comments.Text: @BCLC: If it's OK for you (see above ;-) I try to edit the first paragraph. Or do you mean "how to query"? I never work with online stuff, including megabases, but if this can't be done with "internal" features of them, it can be done with Costeff's CQL system.
Comments.UserDisplayName: Hauke Reddmann
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2021-12-01T00:37:17.457Z
Comments.Text: @HaukeReddmann what do you mean by 'officers at most 9 P~=1Q~=2RR~=3NNN, any pawns, for both sides'? gonna edit post to say people can choose their own definitions (as long as there is some reference to support their definition)
Comments.UserDisplayName: BCLC
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2021-12-01T09:11:14.493Z
Comments.Text: OK, longdefinition is looooong: "A king doesn't have to fear mate any longer if the officer material of the opponent is not larger than 9 pawn units, which corresponds approximately to a queen *or* two rooks *or* three minor officers (*or* a rook and a lminor), and thus indicates the beginning of the endgame. The indicated material also approximately coincides with the standard endgame classifications - YMMV. (The material shown in Karsten Müller's "Fundamental Chess Endings" *exactly* coincides with my suggestion, except for Q+minor vs Q+minor.)
Comments.UserDisplayName: Hauke Reddmann
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2021-12-01T15:16:04.927Z
Comments.Text: @HaukeReddmann i mean it's up to you. if you want that definition to answer that question then go ahead, but i don't really wanna make a post for each definition or to limit the post to just 1 definition. btw the definition of course has to be well-defined enough to explain to a computer. eg at most 6 pieces (except kings and pawns) total is well-defined.
Comments.UserDisplayName: BCLC
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2021-12-03T12:21:03.773Z
Comments.Text: @BCLC: I haven't the software to chase after the question, so my definition is rather moot. I just wanted to suggest a sensible definition *for you to adapt* which is also computer applicable (I'm certain Chessbase or whatnot allows a search for this material, maybe split by type), such that you question doesn't get closed on "too nebulous".
Comments.UserDisplayName: Hauke Reddmann
Tags: <endgame><statistics><pawns>
Title: On average, how many pawns are there at the start of the endgame?
ThreadText: # On average, how many pawns are there at the start of the endgame?
  
  (Asked by: username_0 on 2021-11-20)
  
  **Question**: On average, how many pawns are there at the start of the endgame?
  
  To answer:
  
  1. You can choose your definition of the [endgame](https://chess.stackexchange.com/questions/19317/calculation-for-game-phase/19319#19319) as long as you can show a credible reference that supports your choice of definition. What I have in mind is the same as lichess which I understand to be 6 or fewer non-pawn and non-king pieces.
  2. You may answer for both sides total (e.g., 10 pawns total on average) or for just 1 side (e.g., 5 pawns per side on average).
  3. As to the sample...maybe the same/similar sample from which [38 moves average was obtained](https://chess.stackexchange.com/questions/2506/what-is-the-average-length-of-a-game-of-chess).
  
  * 3.1. **You can pick your own sample** like, say, all standard world championships except 2021. Or 21st century standard world championships except 2021
  
  What I tried:
  
  * Checking out some of my recent games on lichess (that reached the endgame), I see a lot of my games have at least 10 pawns. A few of my games have 6 or lower though. I estimate the average is at least 10 pawns.
  
  Little context:
  
  * I think [choker](https://chess.stackexchange.com/questions/27638/is-choker-balanced) has too few pawns, relative to start of the endgame of regular chess/9LX. I want to verify/disprove this conjecture by seeing the average in actual games. In particular, choker seems to have, on average, 5 pawns total for both players. This is about half what I think the average for start of endgame in regular chess/9LX is.
  * **Alternative question**: Is the average number of pawns probably significantly greater than 5 (total, not per player)?
  
  **Tags:** endgame, statistics, pawns
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_1**: I find this question interesting. It's best put to people interested in standard chess statistics, not variants.  
  > **username_1**: you do not do yourself any favours by undoing edits, that people make (often with considerable effort) to make your questions presentable, in order to restore unreadably casual language and large volumes of irrelevant extraneous details.  
  > **username_2**: I find it interesting too (*figures*/types can be easily googled) and strongly suggest replacing "however" by "officers at most 9 P~=1Q~=2RR~=3NNN, any pawns, for both sides". Whereas this can be questioned, it's quite realistic aaaaand, it can be easily queried on a megabase.  
  > **username_0**: @HaukeReddmann like how please?  
  > **username_2**: @username_0: If it's OK for you (see above ;-) I try to edit the first paragraph. Or do you mean "how to query"? I never work with online stuff, including megabases, but if this can't be done with "internal" features of them, it can be done with Costeff's CQL system.  
  > **username_0**: @HaukeReddmann what do you mean by 'officers at most 9 P~=1Q~=2RR~=3NNN, any pawns, for both sides'? gonna edit post to say people can choose their own definitions (as long as there is some reference to support their definition)  
  > **username_2**: OK, longdefinition is looooong: "A king doesn't have to fear mate any longer if the officer material of the opponent is not larger than 9 pawn units, which corresponds approximately to a queen *or* two rooks *or* three minor officers (*or* a rook and a lminor), and thus indicates the beginning of the endgame. The indicated material also approximately coincides with the standard endgame classifications - YMMV. (The material shown in Karsten Müller's "Fundamental Chess Endings" *exactly* coincides with my suggestion, except for Q+minor vs Q+minor.)  
  > **username_0**: @HaukeReddmann i mean it's up to you. if you want that definition to answer that question then go ahead, but i don't really wanna make a post for each definition or to limit the post to just 1 definition. btw the definition of course has to be well-defined enough to explain to a computer. eg at most 6 pieces (except kings and pawns) total is well-defined.  
  > **username_2**: @username_0: I haven't the software to chase after the question, so my definition is rather moot. I just wanted to suggest a sensible definition *for you to adapt* which is also computer applicable (I'm certain Chessbase or whatnot allows a search for this material, maybe split by type), such that you question doesn't get closed on "too nebulous".  
  
  ---
  
  ## 3 answers
  
  ### Answer by username_0 on 2021-12-19. Score: 3 | Accepted answer
  
  for all games in magnus carlsen world standard and world fischer random chess championship matches (basically [all world championship matches except world rapid and world blitz](https://chess.stackexchange.com/questions/33832/what-are-all-the-world-chess-championships-such-that))
  
  ---
  
  **Average throughout all championships**:
  
  for all: (13+10+11+12+10+12+8+14+11+14+14+13+12+12+14+10+12+12+9+9+10+14+12+12+14+11+12+13+12+11+6+16+15+14+12+14+8+10+9+12+11+10+10+10+14+7+5+12+14+14+14+12+9+6+12+5+11+10+8+6+11+9)/(4+2+4+11+11+12+10+8)=11.1129032258... ~ 11.11
  
  for all classical (and thus excluding 9LX huhu): (13+10+11+12+10+12+8+14+11+14+14+13+12+12+14+10+12+12+9+9+10+14+12+12+14+11+12+13+12+11+6+16+15+14+12+14+8+10+9+12+11+10+10+10+14+7+5+12+14+14+14+12)/(11+11+12+10+8)=11.5769230769... ~ 11.58
  
  for all rapid including 9LX: (9+6+12+5+11+10+8+6+11+9)/(4+2+4)=8.7
  
  for all rapid excluding 9LX: (11+10+8+6+11+9)/6 = 9.1666666666... ~ 9.17
  
  ---
  
  **Average by championship**, rounded to 2 decimal places:
  
  | Championship | Average |
  | --- | --- |
  | 2021 vs nepo | 11.73 |
  | 2019 vs wesley (which was all rapid) | 08.00 |
  | 2018 vs fabi (classical only) | 11.55 |
  | 2018 vs fabi (classical and rapid) | 11.38 |
  | 2018 vs fabi (rapid only) | 10.50 |
  | 2016 vs sergey (classical only) | 12.33 |
  | 2016 vs sergey (classical and rapid) | 11.38 |
  | 2016 vs sergey (rapid only) | 08.50 |
  | 2014 vs vishy | 10.60 |
  | 2013 vs vishy | 11.50 |
  
  **Remarks**:
  
  1. the lowest average in all these (8 pawns) is the 1 that magnus lost namely to wesley so in 2019 fischer random world championship. of course all those games were rapid.
  2. Lowest in classical only is 10.60 in 2014 vs vishy. the 3 rapid only entries are all below 10.60: they are 08.00, 10.50 and 08.50. I guess pawns have a higher mortality rate in rapid compared to classical.
  
  ---
  
  2021 vs nepo
  
  <https://lichess.org/study/1NIB7sSp>
  
  1 - [13](https://lichess.org/study/1NIB7sSp/nDuokoE5)
  
  2 - [10](https://lichess.org/study/1NIB7sSp/63R2CC8E)
  
  3 - [11](https://lichess.org/study/1NIB7sSp/FPoHYMUr)
  
  4 - [12](https://lichess.org/study/1NIB7sSp/dSf0d6LS)
  
  5 - [10](https://lichess.org/study/1NIB7sSp/ZviuiZ6f)
  
  6 - [12](https://lichess.org/study/1NIB7sSp/dffoJlfR)
  
  7 - [8](https://lichess.org/study/1NIB7sSp/r0VBjIUi)
  
  8 - [14](https://lichess.org/study/1NIB7sSp/RuvOfr3O)
  
  9 - [11](https://lichess.org/study/1NIB7sSp/j6ZeRee2)
  
  10 - [14](https://lichess.org/study/1NIB7sSp/hs17TtW4)
  
  11 - [14](https://lichess.org/study/1NIB7sSp/OH72jiGS)
  
  average: (13+10+11+12+10+12+8+14+11+14+14)/11=11.727272...
  
  ---
  
  2019 vs wesley
  
  <https://lichess.org/broadcast/fischer-random-championship-finals-game-1/-/DM0hC3u1>
  
  1 - [9](https://lichess.org/broadcast/fischer-random-championship-finals-game-1/-/DM0hC3u1)
  
  2 - [6](https://lichess.org/broadcast/fischer-random-championship-finals-game-2/-/QyqmRYgT)
  
  3 - [12](https://lichess.org/broadcast/fischer-random-championship-finals-game-3/-/SHljkTy4)
  
  4 - [5](https://lichess.org/broadcast/fischer-random-championship-finals-game-4/-/AS8MuiPN)
  
  5 - [N/A](https://lichess.org/broadcast/fischer-random-championship-finals-game-5/-/TYRLiqxv)
  
  6 - [N/A](https://lichess.org/broadcast/fischer-random-championship-finals-game-6/-/xhpI3MtT)
  
  average (all rapid): (9+6+12+5)/4=8
  
  ---
  
  2018 vs fabi
  
  <https://lichess.org/study/fCum15PU>
  
  1 - [13](https://lichess.org/study/fCum15PU/MjZu9a7k)
  
  2 - [12](https://lichess.org/study/fCum15PU/x1qOQ1iK)
  
  3 - [12](https://lichess.org/study/fCum15PU/4kUWEemi)
  
  4 - [14](https://lichess.org/study/fCum15PU/nRRHALbA)
  
  5 - [10](https://lichess.org/study/fCum15PU/udy8ezNo)
  
  6 - [12](https://lichess.org/study/fCum15PU/xcabYHfK)
  
  7 - [12](https://lichess.org/study/fCum15PU/A7gYIcxG)
  
  8 - [9](https://lichess.org/study/fCum15PU/WVv47Mk2)
  
  9 - [9](https://lichess.org/study/fCum15PU/8LIj7sKb)
  
  10 - [10](https://lichess.org/study/fCum15PU/VpuF2yVQ)
  
  11 - [14](https://lichess.org/study/fCum15PU/sq97Zio8)
  
  12 - [N/A](https://lichess.org/study/fCum15PU/cdw4dqyu)
  
  T1 - [11](https://lichess.org/study/fCum15PU/5eYxFKB4)
  
  T2 - [N/A](https://lichess.org/study/fCum15PU/84jWPJte)
  
  T3 - [10](https://lichess.org/study/fCum15PU/WRuVkHBM)
  
  average (classical only): (13+12+12+14+10+12+12+9+9+10+14)/11=11.545454...
  
  average (classical and rapid): (13+12+12+14+10+12+12+9+9+10+14+11+10)/13=11.3846153846...
  
  average (rapid only): (11+10)/2=10.5
  
  ---
  
  2016 vs sergey
  
  <https://lichess.org/study/vENPCM25>
  
  1 - [12](https://lichess.org/study/vENPCM25/IcO95dAl)
  
  2 - [12](https://lichess.org/study/vENPCM25/csQMrsvl)
  
  3 - [14](https://lichess.org/study/vENPCM25/x4jTEm1L)
  
  4 - [11](https://lichess.org/study/vENPCM25/7MNDhQJI)
  
  5 - [12](https://lichess.org/study/vENPCM25/pHVQYIVs)
  
  6 - [13](https://lichess.org/study/vENPCM25/ZmV7RuIm)
  
  7 - [12](https://lichess.org/study/vENPCM25/BOHrDIHi)
  
  8 - [11](https://lichess.org/study/vENPCM25/wkuvptDc)
  
  9 - [6](https://lichess.org/study/vENPCM25/E1ZujQDY)
  
  10 - [16](https://lichess.org/study/vENPCM25/CtnXiIkN)
  
  11 - [15](https://lichess.org/study/vENPCM25/Zos4PiR0)
  
  12 - [14](https://lichess.org/study/vENPCM25/1fgYVe4c)
  
  T1 - [8](https://lichess.org/study/vENPCM25/raM4vyAy)
  
  T2 - [6](https://lichess.org/study/vENPCM25/DZeN3Zpz)
  
  T3 - [11](https://lichess.org/study/vENPCM25/Yn4Aaulx)
  
  T4 - [9](https://lichess.org/study/vENPCM25/Q6rgMdfD)
  
  average (classical only): (12+12+14+11+12+13+12+11+6+16+15+14)/12=12.3333333333
  
  average (classical and rapid): (12+12+14+11+12+13+12+11+6+16+15+14+8+6+11+9)/16=11.375
  
  average (rapid only): (8+6+11+9)/4=8.5
  
  ---
  
  2014 vs vishy
  
  <https://lichess.org/study/nurfx2OL>
  
  1 - [12](https://lichess.org/study/nurfx2OL/Z42Dyl6S)
  
  2 - [14](https://lichess.org/study/nurfx2OL/pO3VsSUS)
  
  3 - [8](https://lichess.org/study/nurfx2OL/319OcmZy)
  
  4 - [10](https://lichess.org/study/nurfx2OL/tMsL34Tz)
  
  5 - [9](https://lichess.org/study/nurfx2OL/cIXcpYau)
  
  6 - [12](https://lichess.org/study/nurfx2OL/bMrqJA0Z)
  
  7 - [11](https://lichess.org/study/nurfx2OL/yYpH17Ot)
  
  8 - [10](https://lichess.org/study/nurfx2OL/fXdyHttM)
  
  9 - [N/A](https://lichess.org/study/nurfx2OL/FW2XY9vE)
  
  10 - [10](https://lichess.org/study/nurfx2OL/6BlHQKO2)
  
  11 - [10](https://lichess.org/study/nurfx2OL/XdwtzYNz)
  
  average: (12+14+8+10+9+12+11+10+10+10)/10=10.6
  
  ---
  
  2013 vs vishy
  
  <https://lichess.org/study/9xUbdEqD>
  
  1 - [N/A](https://lichess.org/study/9xUbdEqD/vOPf0T1A)
  
  2 - [14](https://lichess.org/study/9xUbdEqD/hRCY0iaO)
  
  3 - [7](https://lichess.org/study/9xUbdEqD/PFv2RXJ4)
  
  4 - [5](https://lichess.org/study/9xUbdEqD/RD3Ujg9J)
  
  5 - [12](https://lichess.org/study/9xUbdEqD/k2XtWVnh)
  
  6 - [14](https://lichess.org/study/9xUbdEqD/zoyjSR2a)
  
  7 - [14](https://lichess.org/study/9xUbdEqD/xr8AeSDX)
  
  8 - [14](https://lichess.org/study/9xUbdEqD/alzje4Kw)
  
  9 - [N/A](https://lichess.org/study/9xUbdEqD/QVRyvXV3)
  
  10 - [12](https://lichess.org/study/9xUbdEqD/FPXvTybG)
  
  average: (14+7+5+12+14+14+14+12)/8=11.5
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_3**: This answer could be greatly improved with formatting for future visitors in mind.  
  > **username_0**: @username_3 probably. i just didn't think anyone cared about my dumb questions or answers. hehe. thanks. what do you suggest?  
  > **username_3**: Not sure...maybe WCC across the columns ([see here](https://meta.stackexchange.com/questions/356997/new-feature-table-support)).  
  > **username_0**: @username_3 oh thanks. i added something!  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_4 on 2021-12-02. Score: 0
  
  It is impossible to predict the number because there are more possible outcomes in chess than in any other game I can think of. When you play in the first 15 moves "most" games will lose 2-4 pawns and at the end of a game with Grandmasters or Masters, the number can range from 4-2 pawns on the board because they tend to sacrifice the pawns for an advantage. But for 1 advanced player and one beginner player you could end up having 6 pawns on both sides because the beginner player will most likely lose in fewer moves than 2 advanced players. If 2 beginner players are playing it could go from 5-8 because they tend to play quicker and not spend time analyzing the board.
  
  Some people define the endgame as the last 5 pieces while come define it as the last 10-20 moves or when one player has a major advantage. When you say average you have to count all if not most of the possible outcomes so you should the number depends on the type of player (defensive or attacking), Strength of player (Rating), Time control (5 min, 30 min, 1 hr).
  Many GMs play defensively, and many beginner players prefer attacking their opponent's pieces. So there is no real definite answer but it depends on what kind of player you play.
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_0**: 1 - 'Some people define it as the last 5 pieces ' --> ok let's do 6 like lichess assuming 'it' is start of endgame ? 2 - why can't we apply what you're saying to [average number of moves per game](https://chess.stackexchange.com/questions/2506/what-is-the-average-length-of-a-game-of-chess)? 3 - in my own games i found the average is at least 10. was what i did somehow invalid?  
  > **username_4**: 3 - Of course not. I mean number of pawns per side (Dark and light).  
  > **username_0**: username_4 -  rephrase: in my own games i found the average is at least 5 per side. was what i did somehow invalid? (FYI i didn't downvote)  
  > **username_0**: what happened to your comments? btw i said before i didn't downvote but i newly downvoted because you didn't answer my other questions eg about the number moves of per game. (weird how downvote explanations get removed it's like how can answers improve otherwise?)  
  > **username_4**: I did not delete my comments but where are there  
  > **username_5**: I really don't think the answer is impossible to find. Just get a set of games and look! Yes, it will vary by player, but there's still going to be an average.  
  > **username_4**: Yes but this question is asking for ALL games not by player  
  > **username_0**: username_4 not every single game in history. hmmm....what do you suggest? a specific sample size like say world chess championships?  
  > **username_4**: Oh could you please update the question to just world championships.  
  > **username_4**: Also, could you please define your definition of endgame like as a recordable way not opinion based.  
  > **username_0**: username_4 ok edited post. you can choose your own sample eg world championship games except 2021. definition of endgames you can choose for example 6 pieces (except kings and pawns) or less. and ok fine i'll remove my downvote  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_6 on 2021-12-07. Score: -1
  
  Not on average, but in general, there are 1 to 6 pawns in the endgame (7 and 8 excluded because that is statistically impossible.
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_7**: I don't think 7 and 8 pawns are statistically impossible at all. Players can just exchange all their minor and major pieces if they wanted to. Also, you have now included all possibilities of pawns... e.g. 1-6 and not 7 or 8, which doesn't really answer the question!  
  > **username_0**: any references? statistics? and is it 1 to 6 per player? or total? no offense downvoting until this is clarified  
  > **username_3**: What is the basis for your answer?  
  
  ---
  
  