What Is the 50 Move Rule in Chess?

The 50 move rule in chess says that if 50 moves by each side pass without any pawn move or capture, the player to move may claim a draw. It’s optional (not automatic). Separately, if 75 moves pass under the same conditions, the game is automatically drawn (unless the 75th move checkmates). This prevents endless play with no progress.

Introduction

Why does this rule exist? Because some endgames can last a long time with no captures or pawn moves—so the fifty-move rule (often written as 50-move rule chess) gives both players a fair escape hatch. In this guide you’ll learn what is the 50 move rule in chess, when you can use it, how it differs from stalemate, and how to play with the rule in mind.

What Is the 50 Move Rule in Chess?

• Definition: If the last 50 moves for each side contained no pawn move and no capture, the side to move can claim a draw. The arbiter checks the claim; if correct, the game is drawn. It’s not automatic at 50; it must be claimed.
  
  

• Automatic draw at 75: If the count reaches 75 moves for each side, the arbiter must declare the game drawn (unless the very last move delivered checkmate).

In FIDE rules this is Article 9.3 (claim at 50) and 9.6.2 (automatic at 75).

History and Evolution of the Rule

Early chess allowed exceptions (certain endgames could be played up to 100 moves). As theory and tablebases advanced, FIDE removed those exceptions and returned to a strict 50-move claim standard (with today’s companion 75-move automatic draw).

When Does the 50 Move Rule Apply?

Use this checklist during play:

1. Track the count. The clock doesn’t show it—you track via scoresheets or digital boards. Any capture or pawn move resets the count to zero.

If you record moves in a compact scorebook and run a reliable digital clock, claiming is straightforward—see Chess Accessories for scorebooks and Chess Clocks that keep the count honest.

2. Who can claim? Only the player to move can claim a draw by the chess 50 move rule. You can:
   
   

• (A) Write your intended move (that would complete the 50th move for each side) on the scoresheet and call the arbiter, or
  
  

• (B) Claim after the 50th move has just been completed with no pawn moves/captures.

For a clear, tournament-style display (useful when you involve the arbiter), the DGT 2500 Digital Chess Clock is a clean, FIDE-friendly choice.

3. Arbiter procedure. If correct → immediate draw. If incorrect → play continues and your opponent gets two extra minutes.

4. 75-move safety net. If nobody claims at 50 and the game hits 75 under the same conditions, the arbiter declares a draw automatically.

Mini-table: claim vs automatic

Famous Examples of the 50 Move Rule

• Timman–Lutz, 1995 (R+B vs R). Black could claim on move 119; draw was claimed on 121. Classic “win-try meets perfect defense.”
  
  

• Karpov–Kasparov, 1991. A claim was possible late in a long endgame; play continued far beyond the claimable point—illustrating the optional nature of the 50-move claim.

(Fun note: Rook + Bishop vs Rook is theoretically drawn with best defense, yet it often runs close to the limit.)

For a broader strategy context that helps you convert long endgames before the counter hits 50, see Best Chess Strategies – Proven Tips to Win More Games.

Difference Between the 50 Move Rule and Stalemate

• Stalemate: The side to move has no legal move and is not in check → immediate draw; no claim needed.
  
  

• Draw by 50 move rule: Draw is based on move count without pawn moves/captures; at 50 it must be claimed, at 75 it’s automatic.
  
  

Think of it as “stalemate vs 50 move rule”: stalemate is a board position; the 50/75 rule is a timeline drawn from the scoresheet.

Practical Tips for Players

• Know the trigger. If you’re defending a tough endgame, keep an eye on the count; if you’re attacking, try to reset the count with a timely capture or pawn push.
  
  

• Use your tools. A reliable chess clock and a neat scoresheet make claims smooth in OTB play.
  
  

• Tablebase caution. A position may be a tablebase win, yet still a draw by 50 move rule over-the-board (“cursed win”). Don’t rely on engine lines that ignore the rule.
  
  

• Know local regulations. US Chess wording mirrors FIDE: claim at 50, automatic at 75. Tournament handbooks specify the claim steps.

Want a simple endgame-first improvement plan that pairs well with rule awareness? Start here: Beginner Chess Strategy: 15 Winning Strategies That Work

FAQ

What is the 50 move rule in chess?

If the last 50 moves by each side had no pawn move and no capture, the player to move may claim a draw; at 75 moves it becomes automatic unless the last move mates.

Does the 50 move rule apply in all chess games?

Yes, for standard FIDE/US Chess over-the-board events. Some online/time-handicap formats may automate claims differently, but FIDE rules are the baseline (claim at 50, automatic at 75). Always check event regulations.

How do you claim a draw by the 50 move rule?

On your move, either write the intended move that completes 50 and call the arbiter, or claim right after 50 has been reached. If verified, it’s a draw; if not, play continues and your opponent gets two extra minutes.

What’s the difference between stalemate and the 50 move rule?

Stalemate is a position (no legal moves, not in check) and is instantly a draw. The chess rules draw by fifty-move rule is based on move count and requires a claim at 50 (or is automatic at 75). For quick definitions you can reference mid-game (stalemate, repetition, 50/75-move notes), bookmark our Complete Chess Terms List & Glossary

Can the 50 move rule stop a checkmate?

At 50 moves, a player may claim before you deliver the finish; at 75, the arbiter must call it drawn unless the 75th move is checkmate, which overrides the automatic draw.

Conclusion

The 50 move rule chess keeps games fair when no progress is being made. Remember: claimable at 50, automatic at 75 (unless checkmate on that last move). Play with the counter in mind—reset it when you’re pressing, guard it when you’re defending—and you’ll handle tricky endgames with confidence. If you’re setting up for regular OTB play, a clear set plus a dependable clock helps claims go smoothly—browse Chess Sets to complete your kit.