What is the threefold repetition rule?
Draw by repetition is a kind of draw that can happen in chess due to the threefold repetition rule.
The threefold repetition rule states that if a position arises three times in a game, either player can claim a draw. This rule is designed to prevent games from continuing indefinitely with the same moves being repeated.
On Chess.com, this draw happens automatically on the third repetition. When this happens, you will see a curved arrow icon next to the three repeated positions. Hovering over the icon will display a message confirming the draw by repetition.
What counts as a repeated position?
The same types of pieces occupy the same squares.
The same player has the move.
The remaining castling rights are the same.
The possibility to capture en passant is the same.
The repeated positions do not have to occur in succession. Even if there were several different moves between these repetitions, the game still results in a draw.
Example of a draw by repetition
Consider the below game, in which a position was repeated three times on moves 65, 67, and 73:
Move 65 for Black:
Move 67 for Black:
Move 73 for Black:
It doesn't matter that other moves occurred in between; what matters is that this exact position occurred three times. On the third repetition, it is declared a draw.
Even if there were ten different moves with the king and queen between these repetitions, the game would still result in a draw. What matters is that the exact position appeared three times within the same game. On the third occurrence (move 73 for black), the game is automatically declared a draw.
📰 Check out this article to learn more about different kinds of draws: How Chess Games Can End: 8 Ways Explained