Draw methods

Haha. Kelvin edited my post. Also he provided the book definitions of the various draws.

Rule 5.2 of the FIDE Laws of Chess detail the ways a game may end in a draw:

Stalemate - if the player on turn has no legal move but is not in check, this is stalemate and the game is a draw.

Mutual agreement - a player may offer a draw to his opponent at any stage of a game. If the opponent accepts, the game is a draw.

Threefold repetition - if an identical position has occurred three times, or will occur after the player on turn makes his move, the player on move may claim a draw (note that in this case the draw is not automatic - a player must claim it). Article 9.2 states that a position is considered identical to another if the same player is on move, the same pieces of the same color occupy the same squares and the same moves are available to each player (that is, each player has the same castling and en passant pawn capturing rights).

Fifty move rule - if fifty moves (by each side) have passed with no pawn being moved and no capture being made, a draw may be claimed. (Again, the draw is not automatic.)

Impossibility of checkmate - if a position arises in which neither player could possibly give checkmate by a series of legal moves, the game is a draw. This is usually because there is insufficient material left, but it is possible in other positions too (see the diagram). Combinations with insufficient material to checkmate are:
K v K
KB v K
KN v K
KB v KB with B on same colour

Some draw puzzles to solve.

Funny Chess Video

Featuring GM Magnus Carlsen:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N003wIDsiCc

Hmmm, Kelvin Wee and I have initiated this international chess lessons for IGC (Intellectual Games Club) members. I'm supposed to source for basic chess puzzles. Haha!

Hmm. Next lesson we're going to teach them the different kinds of reasons for draw (50-move rule, perpetual check, 3-fold repetition, stalemate, agreement etc.)

Now I'm thinking, hey, why not let's post that on this blog.


Draw Circumstances

A position is drawn if one of the following occurs:

a) Draw by agreement - Both of the players agree to a draw. Each player will get half a point each.

b) 50-move rule - If the game progresses for 50 moves without any pawn move OR piece capture, either player can claim a draw.

c) Insufficient material to mate - A bishop and a King cannot mate a lone king.

d)3-fold repetition - When the exact same position is repeated 3 times, with the same player on the move, either players can claim a draw.

e) Perpetual check - There are continuous checks that cannot be stopped. (As the game does not make progress, the game is drawn)

f) Stalemate - When it is a person's turn to move and he has no legal moves left, the game is automatically drawn.

Why draw?
1.In a tournament, if you are facing against strong opponents, a win is best, but a draw is good too.

2. In a desperate, hopeless position, some tactics can force a draw.

3. At the last round of the tournament, a draw offer can be used to secure first place and also help improve both player's rankings without hurting each other.


Haha. Got some other stuff in my mind for the lesson plan, but I'm lazy to add.


P.S.: Thanks timwee for the video link.

P.P.S.: Hey, I can't get my tagboard up, someone help me?

Tactics Puzzle 1 solution

4.Rxg7 Kh8 5.Rg8+! Kxg8 6.Rg1+ and mate the next move.



Sorry for the lack of updates. Been busy with sch work. Plus I don't really know what to post about.


Lol, Gerald Chan's answer to national junior squad (chess) qns:

1.What are heavy pieces?

They are pieces that weigh more than 1kg.

2.What is a pin? Why should we avoid it?

It is a small needle used for sowing. We avoid it because it will prick your finger.

Hmm, I bought a new chess CD, it's called "Theory and Practice of Chess Endings". Quite nice.