The 50-Move Rule in Chess: When Is the Game a Draw?

Quick answer: A player with the move may claim a draw under the FIDE 50-move rule when each player has completed 50 moves without moving a pawn or capturing a piece. The game can also be claimed before the 50th move is played if the player indicates an intended move that will complete the count.

How does the 50-move draw rule work?

The count is 50 moves by each player, not 50 moves in total. Any pawn move or capture resets the count. A correct claim is made to the arbiter by the player whose turn it is. Under Article 9.3, the player may claim after the 50 moves have been completed or before making a move that will complete the required sequence.

What is the 75-move rule?

FIDE also has an automatic 75-move rule. If each player has made at least 75 moves without a pawn move or capture, the game is drawn without a claim. There is one important exception: if the final move in that sequence checkmates the opponent, checkmate takes precedence and the game is won.

Why are there both 50-move and 75-move rules?

The 50-move rule lets a player claim a draw sooner when progress has stopped. The 75-move rule gives the arbiter an automatic stopping point if nobody claims. Both rules count moves by each side and reset after any pawn move or capture.

Frequently asked questions about the 50-move rule

Does a pawn move reset the 50-move count?

Yes. A pawn move or any capture resets the sequence being counted.

Is a chess game automatically drawn after 50 moves without a capture?

No. At 50 moves by each player without pawn movement or capture, a player must claim. The automatic rule applies at 75 moves by each player, subject to the checkmate exception.

Can checkmate happen on the 75th move?

Yes. If the final move of the 75-move sequence checkmates, checkmate takes precedence over the automatic draw.

Source: FIDE Laws of Chess, Articles 9.3, 9.5 and 9.6. Read the official FIDE Handbook.