Chess rules
What is stalemate in chess?
Stalemate occurs when the player to move is not in check but has no legal move.
Stalemate versus checkmate
Checkmate requires both check and the absence of a legal reply. Stalemate has no check at all. Both positions end the game immediately, but checkmate is a win and stalemate is a draw.
Material advantage does not change the ruling. A lone king can draw against a queen if the stronger side accidentally removes every legal square without giving check.
How to avoid stalemate
Before a forcing move, inspect every square available to the opposing king and check whether another pawn or piece can move. Leave one safe square until you are ready to deliver checkmate.
Beginners should practice basic king-and-queen or king-and-rook checkmates slowly. The goal is to restrict the king while preserving at least one legal move until the final check.