Difference between revisions of "Stalemate"
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==Etymology== | ==Etymology== | ||
| − | obsolete [[English]] stale stalemate (from [ | + | obsolete [[English]] stale stalemate (from [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=English#ca._1100-1500_.09THE_MIDDLE_ENGLISH_PERIOD Middle English], from Anglo-French estaler to stalemate, from estal station, position) + English 1mate |
| − | *Date: [ | + | *Date: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/18th_Century 1765] |
==Definitions== | ==Definitions== | ||
*1 : a drawing position in chess in which a player is not in checkmate but has no [[legal]] move to [[play]] | *1 : a drawing position in chess in which a player is not in checkmate but has no [[legal]] move to [[play]] | ||
*2 : a drawn [[contest]] : deadlock; also : the [[state]] of [[being]] stalemated | *2 : a drawn [[contest]] : deadlock; also : the [[state]] of [[being]] stalemated | ||
==Description== | ==Description== | ||
| − | '''Stalemate''' is a situation in [ | + | '''Stalemate''' is a situation in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chess chess] where the player whose turn it is to move is not in check but has no [[legal]] moves. A stalemate ends the [[game]] in a draw. Stalemate is covered in the rules of chess. |
During the endgame, stalemate is a [[resource]] that can enable the player with the inferior position to draw the game. In more complicated positions, stalemate is much rarer, usually taking the form of a swindle that succeeds only if the superior side is inattentive. Stalemate is also a common [[theme]] in endgame studies and other chess [[problems]]. | During the endgame, stalemate is a [[resource]] that can enable the player with the inferior position to draw the game. In more complicated positions, stalemate is much rarer, usually taking the form of a swindle that succeeds only if the superior side is inattentive. Stalemate is also a common [[theme]] in endgame studies and other chess [[problems]]. | ||
Latest revision as of 02:32, 13 December 2020
Etymology
obsolete English stale stalemate (from Middle English, from Anglo-French estaler to stalemate, from estal station, position) + English 1mate
- Date: 1765
Definitions
- 1 : a drawing position in chess in which a player is not in checkmate but has no legal move to play
- 2 : a drawn contest : deadlock; also : the state of being stalemated
Description
Stalemate is a situation in chess where the player whose turn it is to move is not in check but has no legal moves. A stalemate ends the game in a draw. Stalemate is covered in the rules of chess.
During the endgame, stalemate is a resource that can enable the player with the inferior position to draw the game. In more complicated positions, stalemate is much rarer, usually taking the form of a swindle that succeeds only if the superior side is inattentive. Stalemate is also a common theme in endgame studies and other chess problems.
The outcome of a stalemate was standardized as a draw in the 19th century. Before this standardization, its treatment varied widely, including being deemed a win for the stalemating player, a half-win for that player, or a loss for that player; not being permitted; and resulting in the stalemated player missing a turn.
Some regional chess variants have not allowed a player to play a stalemating move. In different versions of suicide chess, another chess variant, stalemate may or may not be treated as a draw.
The word "stalemate" is also used for a metaphor when a conflict has reached an impasse and resolution seems difficult or impossible, i.e. a no-win situation.
