There are methods to end the game, but they are optional. For example, if the exact same position has been reached for a third time, a player can claim a draw. Similarly, if 50 moves have been made by each player without any captures or pawn moves, then someone can claim a draw.
However, these draws must be claimed by one of the players. If neither player claims such a draw, then yes, the game can potentially continue indefinitely.
I think the maximum number of turns you can go without either player capturing a piece is 50 before the game is technically drawn so I guess if one piece was captured every 50 turns the game could go to 1500 turns (30 capturable pieces X 50 turns/capture) before the game would be a draw due to insufficient material.
Ok thanks.
I wasn't sure for the 50 moves rule.
And I didn't know it has to be claimed.
Everything's clear now !
If there are no pawn moves or captures for 50 moves, a draw can be claimed. This is common in two bishop/two knight/one knight and one bishop and king vs king endgames, which are complex and take many moves for even the most skilled player to accomplish.
BTW, is this 50 moves rule the official FIDE rule or is this an arrangement for online chess ?
But I thought that in FIDE rules, 3 repetitions would automatically trigger a draw, not optionaly ?
On this site the 3 move repetition automatically causes the draw.
The threefold repetition is optional; it must be claimed by a player. An arbiter is then called to confirm it(I think). The same applies to the 50 move rule, unless it doesn't and I'm totally wrong.
pawn moves restart the 50 move rule i think so if you count every pawn move it would be like 3000
Is there a maximum number of moves in a game on chess.com or is it infinite ? For exemple, what happens if a player has a wining position but is not able to find the mate because he doesn't know the theorical end game scheemes ? Would the game go for ever ?
Thanks.