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What Is the 50-Move Rule?
The 50-move rule prevents chess games from going on forever. If 50 moves pass without a pawn move or a capture, the game can be claimed as a draw. Understanding this rule is vital for endgames, ensuring you know when to hurry your checkmate and when you can claim a draw in a losing position.
The Official Rule
The game can be claimed as a Draw if the last 50 moves have been played by each player without:
1. Any Pawn Move
AND
2. Any Capture
AND
2. Any Capture
This means if you are just shuffling your King and Rook back and forth, the counter is ticking. However, the moment a pawn moves or a piece is captured, the counter resets to zero.
Why Is This Important?
This rule usually comes up in endgames where one side is trying to checkmate with limited material (like King + Rook vs. King).
- For the Defender: If you can survive for 50 moves without getting checkmated (and without any pawns moving/captures), you escape with a draw!
- For the Attacker: You are "on the clock." You must prove you know the checkmate technique before the limit is reached.
Does It Happen Automatically?
- Online (Chess.com / Lichess): Yes. The server tracks the moves and will automatically end the game as a draw once the limit is reached.
- Over-the-Board (Tournaments): No. You must keep score and claim the draw to the arbiter. If you forget to claim it, the game continues!
Next Steps
- Types of Draws – Stalemate, Repetition, and Agreement.
- How to Checkmate – Finish the game before the 50 moves are up!
- Endgame Basics – Learn the techniques to win quickly.