Stalemate in chess: when the game is a draw

Explanation

Stalemate occurs when the player whose turn it is has no and that player's king is not in . The game ends immediately as a draw. Both conditions are required.

The side to move matters. The same arrangement of pieces may be stalemate with one player to move and a playable position with the other. Every piece and pawn must be checked for possible moves, not only the king.

Stalemate often appears when a player with a large advantage restricts the opposing king too tightly while also removing the opponent's last pawn move. Before making a non-checking move in a late stage that seems won, it is useful to confirm that the opponent will retain at least one legal reply.

Common confusions

Stalemate versus checkmate

In the king is attacked and the result is a win. In stalemate the king is not attacked and the result is a draw.

View term

Stalemate versus dead position

Stalemate depends on the player to move having no move. A dead position is one where neither side can ever produce checkmate by any legal sequence.

Sources

1.FIDE Laws of Chess taking effect from 1 January 2023, FIDE
2.Stalemate - Chess Terms, Chess.com

Explanation

Common confusions

Sources

Related terms