Originally posted by LordofADown thank you for the quick reply, but what exactly are tablebases?
I didn't even know there were such things as endgame databases, thats rediculous!
Tablebases are "databases" that store all possible moves for a given number of pieces. Say if you have 5 pieces left on the board (no matter where they are) a tablebase will show you how to win.
The most complex position to be solved by a tablebase so far is a theoretical mate in 500+ moves although obviously it would be a draw by the 50 move rule.