When does a game end in a draw?

The most common outcome of a game of high-level chess is a draw. A player may offer a draw after their move, and if the opponent accepts, the game is called a draw by agreement. Some tournaments have restrictions on draws by agreement: draw offers may not be allowed before the 30th or 40th move. When does a draw occur without an opponents' consent?

• If there is not enough material to checkmate, then a draw is declared. For example, if there is a king with a minor piece (like a knight or a bishop) against a lone king. In this case, no side is even theoretically able to win.

• A threefold repetition leads to a draw. This means that the same position of the figures was repeated 3 times. Most often this happens with a "perpetual check", when a king has nowhere to hide from threats, and the opponent’s piece continues to check.

• A draw is declared when there is a stalemate on the board: no piece can make a move. It is beneficial to put a position into a stalemate when your opponent has a material advantage.

• According to the rules, a player has the right to demand a draw if there have been no captures during the last 50 moves and not a single pawn has made a move.

In conclusion, stalemate, threefold repetition of the position, the 50-move rule, and a lack of material for the checkmate mean a draw in the game.