What is stalemate in chess?

In chess, a stalemate occurs when the player whose turn it is to move has no legal moves available and their king is not in check. This results in a draw, as the player with the stalemate position cannot make a move without putting their own king in check. Stalemates often occur in endgame positions where one player has a significant material advantage but is unable to deliver checkmate.

Stalemates are considered a draw rather than a win for either player because it is seen as a situation where the player with the advantage was unable to finish the game properly. Stalemates are a common way to end a game, especially in situations where a player is trying to save a draw from a losing position.

Players should be cautious of falling into a stalemate trap, especially when they have a winning position, as it can result in the game being drawn instead of a clear victory. It is important to always check for stalemate possibilities before making a move, to ensure that the game can be finished with a checkmate.