Stalemate How come???


Queenie,
One does not claim stalemate it merely is.If neither side were to claim "stalemate" the problem would still persist i.e. that is the side to play has no legal move.

Queenie,
One does not claim stalemate it merely is.If neither side were to claim "stalemate" the problem would still persist i.e. that is the side to play has no legal move.
Ray, Sorry if I did not expalin myself properly, I know what stalemate is because both yourself and Lomis explained it very clearly to me, (now I watch out for it all the time so thanks for that). I was just explaining to some others who have answered this post stating that stalemate has to be claimed. But yes ,thanks to you and Lomis I do know now..

It is not so much that the king cannot make a legal move--nothing can make a legal move! When in doubt and safe to do so, leave an opponent's pawn with several moves left prior to promotion. If you flub, he will still have a legal move and you will have another chance.
On the other hand, if you are behind, actively look for ways of decreasing your legal moves--run pawns up against opposing pawns, "stalemate" your king. Keep a powerful piece you can make something like a forced move as you throw it away as you seal the deal. a spite check is ideal, because it must be answered.
I have a friend who is an artist of the form.
If you are winning, always look out for an opponent's stalemate opportunities.

wakariyasui, arigato, silentfilmstar-kun & killerqueen-kun!!!