How do I claim a draw?
Threefold repetition, fifty-move rule, and offered draws explained.
Most draws happen automatically — the platform detects the position and ends the game without you having to do anything.
Rule What it means --- --- Stalemate The side to move has no legal moves and is not in check. Insufficient material Neither side has enough material to deliver checkmate (e.g. K vs K, K+B vs K, K+N vs K). Fivefold repetition The same position occurs five times — automatic, no claim needed. 75-move rule 75 moves with no pawn move or capture — automatic, no claim needed.
When any of these happen, the game ends and a draw is recorded.
These two rules require a player to claim the draw before it takes effect:
- Threefold repetition — same position has occurred three times. - 50-move rule — 50 consecutive moves with no pawn move or capture.
In games against Dawn, the platform detects these and offers the draw. In PvP games, if your opponent doesn't claim and keeps playing, the game continues until the automatic fivefold or 75-move rule triggers.
Why a position might not "look" identical
Threefold repetition requires the exact same position with the same player to move and the same castling/en-passant rights . A position that looks the same but where castling rights have changed (because a king moved earlier) does not count.
- How do takebacks and resigning work? - Why did my rating drop a lot after one game?
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