Perpetual Check

Perpetual check is a drawing technique where one side gives an endless series of checks, forcing the game to end in a draw by threefold repetition or the fifty-move rule.

Key Concepts

Endless Checks

The checking side can give checks indefinitely.

No Escape

The opponent cannot escape the checks without losing material or getting checkmated.

Drawing Resource

Often used as a defensive resource in losing positions.

Requirements

1. Checking Pieces: Usually queen, rook, or both
2. Exposed King: The enemy king lacks safe squares
3. Repetition: The position repeats or will repeat
4. No Interposition: Opponent cannot block effectively

Common Patterns

Queen Perpetual

The queen gives checks from multiple squares.

Rook Perpetual

Rooks give checks along ranks and files.

Combined Perpetual

Multiple pieces coordinate to give perpetual check.

When to Use

• You're in a losing position
• You can force a draw
• Material is down but you have checking chances
• No other way to avoid defeat

Creating Perpetual Check

• Calculate the checking sequence
• Ensure the king cannot escape
• Verify the opponent cannot block
• Count the repetitions

Avoiding Perpetual Check

• Keep your king safe
• Maintain escape squares
• Block checking pieces
• Trade checking pieces

Famous Examples

Many games have been saved by perpetual check:

• Losing endgames turned into draws
• Material disadvantage overcome
• Desperate defensive resources

Practice Tips

• Study perpetual check patterns
• Practice calculating checking sequences
• Look for defensive resources
• Know when to take the draw

Perpetual check is an essential defensive weapon in chess.

Related defensive resources: stalemate-tricks, sacrifice, desperado