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·Covering 2023-12 to 2025-11·Updated January 2026
73.6% of games reach a true endgame.
The other 26.4% end before 12 captures. Set your rating and clock to see your own split.
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 |
73.6% of Lichess games played December 2023 to November 2025 reach a true endgame (12+ captures). 88.2% reach 8+ captures, and 52.3% reach 16+ captures (deep endgames). When endgames are reached, White wins 48.3% and draws occur 5.0% of the time.
73.6% of Lichess games reach a true endgame (12+ captures). 88.2% reach 8+ captures (late middlegame), and 52.3% reach 16+ captures (deep endgame). The other 26.4% end before a true endgame begins.
Yes. At 2500+, 84.3% of games reach the endgame versus 58.8% at 0-999—25.5 percentage points more at higher ratings.
Yes. Classical games reach the endgame 66.2% of the time, while UltraBullet games reach it 74.8%—8.6 percentage points fewer in slower games.
We track three thresholds: 8+ captures (88.2% of games reach this—late middlegame), 12+ captures (73.6%—true endgame, most minor pieces and a rook exchanged), and 16+ captures (52.3%—deep endgame). At 12+ captures, material is reduced enough that king activity and pawn structure dominate.
In Lichess endgames (12+ captures), White wins 48.3%, Black wins 46.7% and 5.0% are draws. Both sides win about as often.
At 2500+, 10.2% of endgames are drawn versus 5.7% at 0-999. Draw rates are similar across ratings. Overall draw rate is 5.0%.
At 0-999, 58.8% of games reach the endgame and 38.9% reach deep endgames. At 2500+, it's 84.3% and 67.1%. Stronger players reach deep endgames 28.2 percentage points more often.
52.3% of Lichess games reach 16+ captures (deep endgame with heavy material reduction). The other 47.7% end before reaching this stage.