How often do chess games reach the endgame? We define a "true endgame" as positions with 12+ captures (most minor pieces and at least one rook exchanged).
Source Lichess·Games 2.1B·Range 2023-12 to 2025-11·Updated January 2026
Thresholds <8 captures = early/middlegame. 8-11 captures = late middlegame. 12-15 captures = true endgame. 16+ captures = deep endgame.
Only 74% of games reach a true endgame.
26% of games end before 12 captures. Studying endgames matters, but so does knowing when you'll actually use them.
Draw rate typically increases in endgames due to simplified positions and fewer winning chances for either side.
| Time Control | 12+ Captures | Games | |
|---|---|---|---|
UltraBullet | 74.8% | 13,375,742 | |
BulletMost | 75.8% | 776,651,685 | |
Blitz | 73.3% | 992,627,574 | |
Rapid | 68.9% | 304,566,875 | |
Classical | 66.2% | 11,601,244 |
Only 74% of Lichess games reach a true endgame (12+ captures). 88% reach 8+ captures, and just 52% reach 16+ captures (deep endgames). When endgames are reached, White wins 48% and draws occur 5% of the time.
74% of Lichess games reach a true endgame (12+ captures). 88% reach 8+ captures (late middlegame), and only 52% reach 16+ captures (deep endgame). The majority of games—26%—end before a true endgame begins.
Yes. At 2500+, 84% of games reach the endgame versus 59% at 0-999—26 percentage points more at higher ratings. Stronger players simplify positions more often.
Yes. Classical games reach the endgame 66% of the time, while UltraBullet games reach it 75%—9 points fewer in slower games. Surprisingly, faster games see more endgames—possibly from quick piece trades.
We track three thresholds: 8+ captures (88% of games reach this—late middlegame), 12+ captures (74%—true endgame, most minor pieces and a rook exchanged), and 16+ captures (52%—deep endgame). At 12+ captures, material is reduced enough that king activity and pawn structure dominate.
In Lichess endgames (12+ captures), White wins 48% and 5% are draws. The position is roughly balanced once an endgame is reached.
At 2500+, 10% of endgames are drawn versus 6% at 0-999. Draw rates are similar across ratings. Overall draw rate is 5%.
At 0-999, 59% of games reach the endgame and 39% reach deep endgames. At 2500+, it's 84% and 67%. Stronger players reach deep endgames 28 points more often—endgame skill matters increasingly as you improve.
Only 52% of Lichess games reach 16+ captures (deep endgame with heavy material reduction). A meaningful portion of games reach this stage, making endgame tablebases and theoretical knowledge valuable.