Check this Position

by DAVID W. (FREEPORT, N.Y. USA)

THE SCENARIO:
JUST 4 PIECES ON THE BOARD.

2 KINGS
AND
2 PAWNS.

WHITE KING AT c6
BLACK KING AT e5

WHITE PAWN AT h5
BLACK PAWN AT h6.

WHAT IS THE RULING FOR THE GAME, AND WHY ?
(please explain [cite rules]…{draw, stalemate,
3 fold repetition,
50-move rule…?})
–DAVID W.

——Admin———

Hi David,
the position is like this. (See below)

First of all, the position above is a draw, no matter who has the first move. The reason is that if you have just the edge pawn the game will result in a theoretical draw because you finally reach a stalemate position by force.

If play continues a position like that will be reached. (see below)

If it is Blacks move and he keeps moving the king only, the white king will stay in opposition to stop the black king from coming out. If the kings repeat the same moves three times, so that same position is reached three times, (without the pawn being pushed in between) then the game is a draw, so half a point each.

Read more about the Threefold Repetition Rule

To avoid a draw Black has to push the pawn eventually and we will reach the position below.

If it is White’s move he has to play 1.Kh1 or the pawn will promote to a queen, then Black has to play 1..h2 (if 1..Kf2 then 2.Kh2 and Black loses the pawn which will result in a draw because of insufficient material).

So after 1.Kh1 h2 White can’t make a legal move, so it is a stalemate, which is a draw, so half a point each.

If Black has to move then 1…h2+ follows

If it is Blacks move he has to push the pawn playing 1..h2+ (see above) then White plays 2.Kh1 (see below)

Now Black has to make a move where he has to protect his pawn and there is only 2…Kh3 which results in a stalemate as White can’t make a legal move. A stalemate is a draw, so half a point each.

The Fifty Move Rule would apply in the starting position or later on, if Black would not push the pawn anymore but just moves the king endlessly. Then after fifty moves the game would be a draw because no pawn has been pushed and no capture has been made.

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