Chess rules · beginner
Stalemate and Other Draws
Not every game has a winner.
Last updated
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Quick answer
A game is drawn by stalemate (the player to move has no legal move and isn't in check), by agreement, by threefold repetition of the same position, by the 50-move rule (50 moves each without a capture or pawn move), or when neither side has enough pieces left to checkmate.
Step by step
Other draws: • Both sides agree to a draw. • The same position repeats three times. • 50 moves pass with no capture and no pawn move. • Neither side has enough pieces to checkmate (e.g. king vs king, or king + bishop vs king).
Test yourself
quizAnswer on the board. It's the same drill as in the app, no account needed.
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Common mistakes
- Stalemating the opponent when you're winning: always leave the lone king a legal move.
- Thinking a stalemate is a win for the player with more pieces. It's a draw.
- Repeating moves when you're ahead and letting the opponent claim a threefold repetition.
Tips from the lesson
- Stalemate = no legal moves and NOT in check.
- Your king already covers g7 and h7. Which queen move checks along the 8th rank?
FAQ
Is stalemate a win or a draw?add
A draw, worth half a point to each player, no matter how much material one side has.
What is threefold repetition?add
When the same position, with the same player to move and the same rights, occurs three times. The game can be claimed as a draw.
What is the 50-move rule?add
If both players make 50 moves in a row with no capture and no pawn move, either player can claim a draw.
Which endings are drawn for lack of material?add
King against king, king and bishop against king, and king and knight against king: checkmate is impossible.