What is the Chess 50 Move Rule?

The 50-move rule in chess is a way to draw a game you’ve likely never heard before.

Chess is an ancient game and its rules have changed and developed over the years. Today, the FIDE handbook is a hefty document with a massive set of rules, both well-known and obscure. You have likely heard of draws by repetition, agreement, and insufficient material, but there is a good chance the 50-move chess draw is new to you. 

Let’s take a look at this little-known rule, so you can know exactly how and when to claim a draw in every circumstance. 

Definition

The rule itself is simple. If no captures or pawn moves are made in 50 moves, either player can claim a draw. Fundamentally, this is meant to prevent players from playing on indefinitely when the game is impossible to win.

As you might imagine, draws based on this rule would be extremely unlikely to occur outside of the endgame. Even during the endgame, this type of draw is by far the least common. 

Either player can claim a draw on their turn once 50 moves have been played. It doesn’t have to happen immediately. A player can claim the draw any time after the criteria is met.

If it is a tournament, the player must tell the arbiter directly and they can declare the game a draw. For friendly or online games, players may agree to a draw or use an interface function. Online platforms tend to automatically draw the game after 50 consecutive moves with no captures or pawn moves.

Now you know the rule, let’s take a look at the reasoning behind it, where it originates, and when you can use it to claim a draw. 

Reasoning Behind the 50 Move Rule

Why did chess players create this rule?

In certain endgames, one player may have a very slight advantage, but finding checkmate can be exceptionally difficult. For example, a rook vs a rook and a bishop could theoretically go on forever with neither player winning the game. 

In other games, the position may be completely equal but neither player can make progress. For example, if the kings are blockaded behind pawn walls. 

Neither player can win the game, and if one player does not want a draw there is no clear way for the game to end. In real games, the players would likely draw by agreement or by repetition. However, what if one player is low on time? The other may refuse a draw and avoid repetition until their opponent’s clock runs out. However, with the 50-move rule all the player with low time has to do is make their 25 moves and claim a draw.

The rule aims to prevent a situation in which a game cannot naturally or practically come to an end. The fifty move rule can:

• Prevent potentially endless endgames
• End games in which one player is slightly better but is unable to convert their advantage
• Limit the importance of time in drawn games, making it more difficult for a player to win solely by being up on the clock

Further reading: Must-Know Rook Endgames in Chess

Controversy

The rule is somewhat controversial because there are some endgames that require more than 50 moves to win. Famously, you can reach checkmate with a rook and bishop vs a rook, but it takes more than 50 moves. Human chess players and computer engines in the 1980s discovered multiple types of endgames that take more than 50 moves to complete.

As such, players and fans still widely debate FIDE’s decision to reintroduce the rule in 1992. The idea was to simplify chess rules and create a level playing field. Previously, exceptions for certain types of endgames allowed for different numbers of moves. FIDE decided that the complexity involved in enforcing these rules and the amount of memorization for players was impractical. Nevertheless, the rare endgames that require more than 50 moves without pawn moves or captures still make it a sticking point for chess players and commentators. 

History of the 50-Move Rule

The rule has a very long history. Ruy López suggested the idea in a book in 1561. Prior to that, a 70-move rule was sometimes in effect. During the 19th century, different clubs and organizations enforced the rule in different ways. Over time, they created exceptions for different endgames and the rules became contested and tricky.

In the early 20th century, FIDE standardized these exceptions. They created rules to ensure that the move limits were based on the theoretical possibilities of an endgame. They settled on double the number of moves. For example, if an endgame required 66 moves to complete, 132 moves were allowed. 

In 1992, FIDE introduced the rule that they currently use in all major tournaments. As we have seen, they attempted to simplify a complex and theoretical possibility in chess games. But questions remain: Is it fair? Will the exceptions to the rules return? Or will the rule continue to change?

Related Reading: Origins: Ruy Lopez

Does the 50 Move Rule Matter to You?

The truth is that the 50-move rule is only necessary for very rare endgame positions. In years of chess, I have only encountered it once in an online game. That said, it can make the difference between a win, a draw, and a loss.

If you are a tournament or club player, knowing how and when you can claim a draw is key. This means:

• Tracking when the last pawn move or capture occurred
• Be aware that your opponent may use the rule as part of their strategy in rare endgames
• Understand how to claim the rule by notifying the arbiter

If you play friendly matches you are unlikely to encounter this rule. It is more likely games like these will be drawn by agreement. However, for online players, platforms enforce the rule automatically, so being aware of it can make a significant difference. 

Related Reading: What You Can Do To Improve Your Chess Training

Conclusion: Little Known Chess Rules

The basic rules of chess are quite simple. However, the game has many nuances and we adapt and expand the rules to account for every situation.

For amateur players, these little known rules are perhaps not essential knowledge. However, for a tournament player, these rules can occasionally make the difference between winning and losing a chess match. Learning the ins and outs of some of the trickier chess rules can ensure you are fully prepared for your next tournament.

Aside from the 50 move rule, there are rules about dress code, recording moves, and when you can touch pieces. Exploring these fascinating rules can give you further insight into the game and ensure you are a tournament-ready player.

Further reading: Rules of Chess: 10 to Know Before Your Next Tournament