Chess/Stalemate in 30 Moves?
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Question
Louis,
Is there a rule that if you are down to only your king, or your king is your only moveable piece, your opponent must checkmate you within so many moves or the game is automatically called a draw?
If this is true, and your king is the only *moveable* piece because let's say your remaining pawned is blocked, does the 30 move counter get reset if at some point your pawn becomes unblocked?
Thanks
Ken
Dear Ken,
There is such a rule, though it is 50 moves, not 30 - and you are right, this is only if you have no pieces left.
If you have, as you say, an extra pawn or more material - -and after 50 moves no exchanges have been made, you could claim a draw to the tournament director who would make a decision.
I hope this helps,
Warmly,
Louis Lima
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Answers by Expert:
Louis Lima
Expertise
I can answer questions on proper self-training and chess tactics, but feel free to ask me anything related to chess and if I cannot answer it I will tell you.
Experience
I am a category A player with a FIDE rating of 1963, and a USCF rating of 1965. I have several instructional chess videos at http://www.youtube.com/chesslearning and author a review column for http://www.chesscafe.com and teach a Sunday chess class to kids at Tzu-Chi Foundation's Chinese School.
Organizations
Nassau Chess Club, Queens Chess Club, Society for Intercultural Education, Training and Research (SIETAR)
Publications
Mobility Magazine, Moving Forward Monthly, www.schemingmind.com, http://www.chesscafe.com
Education/Credentials
Masters degree in Organizational Psychology with a specialization in Training and Development.
Awards and Honors
51st Nassau FIDE Futurity 2009 (3rd Place)
Queens July Open 2007 (1st Place)
North American Open 2005 (3rd Place in the U1600 Section)
2nd FCC Winter Swiss 2009 (3rd Place)
32nd Freeport Spring Swiss 2006 (3rd Place)
9th Queens Teams Champtionship 2009 (3rd Place)
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