ChessschoolStalemate and other draws
A game can end in a draw even when one player has much more material.
Recognise stalemate
Stalemate occurs when the player to move has no legal move and is not in check. Count every piece and pawn move, not only the king’s moves. Checkmate also has no legal reply, but the king is in check.
Do not confuse draw rules
Draws can arise by agreement, a dead position, repetition or move-count rules. Under FIDE rules, threefold repetition and fifty moves generally require a claim; fivefold repetition and seventy-five moves are automatic, with exceptions such as checkmate on the last move.
Protect a winning ending
When ahead, leave the opponent a legal move until you can give checkmate. When defending, look for ways to reach a drawn ending rather than making random checks.
Try it yourself
White: Ka1. Black: Ke8, Qb3. White to move. What is the result?
Check the answer
Stalemate. White is not in check, but a2, b1 and b2 are attacked, and White has no other piece to move.
Put it into practice
Open the related lesson Practise with puzzles
Sources and corrections
For the official rules, see the FIDE Laws of Chess. Found an error? Send the position and page address.