Claiming a draw by repetition
When the same position comes three times, the player to move can claim a draw. Here is how.
The idea
The same position three times: the player to move can claim a draw.
- The knights go out and come back.
- Black’s knights do the same.
- The third time the position appears, a draw can be claimed.
In a game: To claim on your own move, write the move down first and claim before you play it.
How the lesson begins
A draw by threefold repetition can be claimed when the same position appears for the third time, with the same player to move. The three times need not come one after another.
Step through. The knights go out and come back twice, and the starting position stands on the board for the third time with White to move.
- 1. Nf3 Nf6 2. Ng1 Ng8 The starting position, the second time.
- 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Ng1 Ng8 The third time: White may claim a draw.
A question
Black is about to play a move that makes a position appear for the third time. How does Black claim the draw?
Show the answer
Write the move on the scoresheet, do not play it, and claim to the arbiter.
Right. You may claim before the move is played: write it down, then claim. The move you wrote cannot be changed.