Stalemate or not? is lesson 1 of 3 in Stalemate and other draws, a basics course suited to players rated around 600 (beginners). Stalemate means the side to move has no legal move and is not in check. The game ends at once, as a draw. It has 3 interactive exercises: 2 find-the-move puzzles, 1 board-square exercise. You play every move on a board and get feedback straight away. The lesson is free.
What this lesson explains
Black to move. The king is not in check, but every square around it is covered: g8 and g7 by the queen, h7 by the queen and the king. Black has no other piece to move. That is stalemate, and the game is a draw, even though White has a whole queen more.
What you practise
Black to move. Is this stalemate? Check every square around the black king. Tap each square it can still step to.
You are winning, so do not throw it away. One queen move is stalemate. Find the checkmate instead.
Your pawn is one step from a new queen. But look closely. A queen on f8 would cover every square the black king has, without giving check.
Worked examples
Black to move. Is this stalemate? Check every square around the black king. Tap each square it can still step to. Yes, only g8. One free square is enough: this is not stalemate, and the game goes on.
You are winning, so do not throw it away. One queen move is stalemate. Find the checkmate instead. Checkmate. The queen on g7 gives check, and your king protects her.
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