Chess with Errol

An Introduction to Chess: Ways to terminate a game (Part 2)

White has been checkmated! Black’s Bishop calls the check. White cannot get out. Two Kings cannot stand next to each other and black’s Knight controls the g8 square, which White cannot cross.
White has been checkmated! Black’s Bishop calls the check. White cannot get out. Two Kings cannot stand next to each other and black’s Knight controls the g8 square, which White cannot cross.
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Last week, looking at the eight ways to end a chess game, we examined checkmate, resignation, timeout, and stalemate. The remaining four ways to end the chess game, insufficient material, 50-move rule, repetition, and agreement are being examined today. Although checkmate and stalemate are the two vital aspects of bringing conclusion to a game, knowing the others are equally important. 

Insufficient  material 
When a player cannot force checkmate owing to inadequate material the game is drawn automatically. If two Kings stand alone on the chessboard and there are no other pieces, the game is drawn. Once a player has checkmating material, the game is not drawn. You cannot force checkmate with a King and Knight vs the King, neither can you do it with a King and Bishop vs the King. In those circumstances, the game is drawn. However, checkmate can be effected with two Bishops or two knights vs the lone King.

This diagram demonstrates an example of a double check. Black is being checked with White’s Bishop and the Rook simultaneously. Remember, all double checks must be met by a King move! In this position, Black is compelled to move to the White square, e8. White executes checkmate on d8 with his Rook when Black moves.

50-move rule  
The 50-move rule allows either player to claim a draw if no capture has been made or no pawn has been moved for the last 50 moves. 

Repetition 
The threefold repetition rule says if a position arises three times in a game either player can claim a draw during that position. This rule was created to avoid games repeating the identical positions indefinitely. During such a situation the draw happens on the third repetition.

Agreement
When both players decide they want to draw the game, there is a draw by agreement. Most of the time they believe that neither player can obtain an advantage. However, draws by agreement can be controversial. If a tournament or match situation occurs that would benefit one player or one country against the other, it may not be allowed. Some tournaments have implemented the essential 40-move rule which stipulates a draw offer cannot be reached unless 40 moves have been completed. 

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