From: Jeff Mallett <jeffm <at> CRUZIO <dot> COM>
Date: 9 oct 1995
Subject: Re: King in check

>>Uh, Pieter... in chess "stalemate" is exactly the same as having no moves.
>>Really. Honestly.

Yes!  Trust me, Pieter.  I've directed USCF sanctioned tournaments.  I
quoted the definition of stalemate for you from the official rules of chess
for the U.S.  What more do you want...?

>Is there a position possible in chess where one cannot make any moves at
>all not even moves that would put one's own king in check?

A move is illegal or legal.  I can ALWAYS make up an ILLEGAL chess move
that leaves my king in check.  I will NEVER have a LEGAL chess move that
leaves my king in check.  Again, stalemate in chess is defined by the
absense of legal moves, completely independent of which varieties of
illegal moves may be available.

Jeff


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Jeff Mallett                         jeffm <at> cruzio <dot> com
Strategy Labs, Inc.             Voice: (408) 338-6324
                                  Fax: (408) 338-6325
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