---
title: "Syzygy tablebases in chess"
url: "https://georgelichess.com/glossary/syzygy-tablebases.md"
canonical_url: "https://georgelichess.com/glossary/syzygy-tablebases"
last_updated: "2026-11-07"
type: "reference"
summary: "Syzygy tablebases are a compact set of endgame tablebases created by Ronald de Man that cover endgames up to seven pieces."
related: ["https://georgelichess.com/glossary/endgame-tablebase.md", "https://georgelichess.com/glossary/chess-engine.md", "https://georgelichess.com/glossary/stockfish.md", "https://georgelichess.com/glossary/endgame.md", "https://georgelichess.com/glossary/engine-analysis.md", "https://georgelichess.com/glossary/king-and-pawn-endgame.md", "https://georgelichess.com/glossary/category/computer-chess.md", "https://georgelichess.com/glossary.md"]
---

# Syzygy tablebases in chess

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Syzygy tablebases are a compact set of endgame tablebases created by Ronald de Man that cover endgames up to seven pieces.

Syzygy tablebases are a compact set of endgame tablebases created by Ronald de Man that cover endgames up to seven pieces and are widely used by modern chess engines.

Syzygy is the name of a popular format of [endgame tablebases](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/endgame-tablebase.md), created by Ronald de Man. They tell an [engine](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/chess-engine.md) whether a position with few pieces is a win, a draw or a loss, and which moves keep that result. They cover positions of up to seven pieces in total, including the kings.

What makes Syzygy practical is its compactness. Earlier tablebase formats needed enormous amounts of storage, while Syzygy stores the information in a way that is much smaller and quick to read, so the smaller sets suit ordinary computers. The six-piece files fit on a large drive, while the seven-piece set runs to many terabytes. [Stockfish](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/stockfish.md) and many other engines can use the files if you place them in a folder and point the engine to it. The files are split into two kinds, one that tells the result and one that helps measure progress toward making a [capture](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/capture.md) or a pawn move.

For most students, the practical point is simple: many analysis tools use Syzygy without you doing anything, and endgame verdicts they show are exact. Treat them as a way to verify what you learn. The underlying skill, understanding why a position is won or drawn, still comes from studying typical endgames and practicing technique.

Also called: Syzygy.

Computer terms such as "Syzygy tablebases" are most useful next to a coach who reads your games with you, which is how a [first lesson](https://georgelichess.com/book/first-lesson.md) with George Li works.

## Related terms

- [Endgame tablebase](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/endgame-tablebase.md)
- [Chess engine](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/chess-engine.md)
- [Stockfish](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/stockfish.md)
- [Endgame](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/endgame.md)
- [Engine analysis](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/engine-analysis.md)
- [King and pawn endgame](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/king-and-pawn-endgame.md)

## Guides that go further

- [How to choose a chess coach](https://georgelichess.com/how-to-choose-a-chess-coach.md): What to decide first, the questions to ask, what a first lesson should show and the red flags to avoid.
- [How much does chess coaching cost?](https://georgelichess.com/chess-coaching-cost.md): Published rates for private, group and subscription chess coaching, with the source and the date of each.
- [The first lesson](https://georgelichess.com/book/first-lesson.md): A game review, a read on your level and a written study plan from George Li.

[Book your first lesson](https://georgelichess.com/book.md) and George Li reviews your games and builds a study plan around them. Questions about lessons: write to hello@georgelichess.com.

## Related

- [Endgame tablebase in chess](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/endgame-tablebase.md)
- [Chess engine](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/chess-engine.md)
- [Stockfish in chess](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/stockfish.md)
- [Endgame in chess](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/endgame.md)
- [Engine analysis in chess](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/engine-analysis.md)
- [King and pawn endgame in chess](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/king-and-pawn-endgame.md)
- [Chess terms: Computer chess and analysis](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/category/computer-chess.md)
- [Chess terms glossary: plain definitions](https://georgelichess.com/glossary.md)