Beginner

12. Stalemate & Draw

Learn when a chess game ends in a draw and the tricky stalemate rule.

Introduction

Not every chess game has a winner. Sometimes the game ends in a draw. The most surprising way is stalemate—when a player has no legal moves but isn't in check!

Lesson Content

Try this position

Stalemate: it's Black's turn but the king has no legal moves—every square around it is either occupied or attacked. But the king is NOT in check. Result: the game is a draw!

Try this position

Stalemate is a common accident when one side is winning. Here White has a queen and king vs. a lone king. White must be careful not to stalemate Black!

Try this position

It's Black's turn. The king has no legal moves but is not in check. What is the result?

Try this position

Other types of draws: (1) Agreement—both players agree to a draw. (2) Threefold repetition—the same position occurs three times. (3) 50-move rule—50 moves with no captures or pawn moves. (4) Insufficient material—neither side can checkmate.

Try this position

King vs. King with no other pieces. What is the result?

Try this position

What's the key difference between stalemate and checkmate?

Key Takeaways

Stalemate: no legal moves + not in check = draw
Stalemate is different from checkmate (draw vs. loss)
It's a common mistake when one side has an overwhelming advantage
Other draws: agreement, threefold repetition, 50-move rule, insufficient material
King vs. King is always a draw