Max number of moves

Originally posted by koconnor
Is there a max number of moves in a game before it's seen as a draw? I've heard something about 50 or 80 moves but think this has something to do with when you are left with only a king, not sure of the particulars of this.

It's 50 moves since the last pawn move or piece being taken (irreversible changes in the position).

Which means that in theory, although there is a maximum length of game, it's extremely long. There are 30 pieces that can be taken. There are 16 pawns, any of which can make up to 6 moves. Which gives you an upper bound of (16x6 + 30)x50, or 6300 moves.

The real maximum is less than that, because it's impossible for all 16 pawns to make 6 moves each as they get in each other's way. I'd guess the real maximum might be So I'd guess the real maximum might be 3500 moves (each pair of pawns making 5 moves between them), but it might be more complicated than that.

Having said that - if neither player actually claims the draw, I suppose it can keep going even further...