What is Book draw in chess?
An endgame that is known to be a draw with correct play, as established in opening or endgame theory.
Positions like the Philidor, the wrong bishop ending, or bishop-and-knight-pawn versus rook-pawn are 'book draws' - their drawn status has been proven and named. Recognising these positions stops you from playing on endlessly in hope.
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Analyze my games →More chess terms
- GambitSacrificing material, usually a pawn, for faster development or attack.
- Opening theoryThe body of analysed and established best-play sequences for the first moves of a game.
- TranspositionReaching the same position via a different order of moves.
- NoveltyA new, previously unplayed move in a known opening line.
- RepertoireThe set of openings a player has prepared and regularly plays.
- Main lineThe most theoretically important and commonly played continuation in an opening.