AboutChuck Kinzie Expertise I can answer basic chess questions regarding opening, middlegame and endgame strategy and tactics. I cannot answer questions about positions with subtle nuances that require Grandmaster or computer analysis.
Experience I have been playing in chess tournaments for over thirty years.
Organizations United States Chess Federation
Publications I have a chess blog: http://www.chuckychess.blogspot.org
Education/Credentials I earned a United States Chess Federation Expert rating in 1987.
Question what happens if all the pieces are gone except the two kings and one queen on the board? Is it stale mate or does the person with the queen win?
Answer Hi Daniel,
Thanks for your question.
A player with a King and a Queen against a lone King can force checkmate. However, he has to be careful not to stalemate his opponent. With correct play, the player with the queen should be able to deliver checkmate from any position in a dozen moves or fewer.
The following are also forced checkmates, but are more difficult:
King and Rook vs. King
King and 2 Bishops vs. King
King and Bishop and Knight vs. King
Curiously, a King and 2 Knights CANNOT force checkmate, although if the lone King blunders he can get himself mated.
You can obtain a chess book from your local library, or search the web for a chess instruction website, to learn how to deliver checkmate in the above scenarios.
Thanks again for your question, and enjoy your chess!
