What is Stalemate in chess?
A draw where the player to move has no legal move and isn't in check.
Stalemate is a draw, not a win - a crucial rule. Many winning positions get thrown away because the stronger side accidentally leaves the opponent with no legal move.
Spot stalemate in your own games
Free. Chess2EZ finds the patterns you keep missing and explains each in plain English.
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- CheckmateThe king is in check and has no legal way to escape - the game is over.
- Zwischenzug (in-between move)An unexpected move inserted before the 'expected' recapture.
- TempoA single move counted as a unit of time.
- DevelopmentBringing your knights and bishops off the back rank into the game.
- InitiativeBeing the side making threats and dictating play.
- OppositionA king-and-pawn endgame technique of facing kings with one square between them.