Claimable draw

A claimable draw is a right that becomes available when a condition is met, but the game does not end merely because the condition exists. The player having the move must make a correct claim, and the arbiter must verify it.

Two main grounds

• Third occurrence of the same position: the same pieces, turn, and legal possibilities are about to appear for the third time through a declared move, or they have just appeared and the claimant again has the move. The occurrences need not result from an identical sequence of moves.
• Fifty-move rule: each player has completed fifty consecutive moves without a pawn move or capture, or a declared move will complete that sequence.

When the claim relies on an intended move, the player must enter it on the paper or electronic scoresheet, the record on which moves are written, and declare the intention to the arbiter. That move cannot be changed. If the player touches a piece with the intention of moving before claiming, the right is lost for that turn.

The player or arbiter pauses the clock, and the claim cannot be withdrawn. If correct, the game is drawn. If incorrect, the opponent receives two additional minutes and play continues; when an intended move was declared, it must be played legally.

The distinction from an automatic draw is essential. Five occurrences of the same position or seventy-five moves by each player without a pawn move or capture produce a draw without a claim.