What Is Threefold Repetition?
Threefold repetition is a draw rule in chess. If the same position occurs three times during a game (with the same player to move), either player can claim a draw. Under FIDE rules, if the position occurs five times, the draw is automatic.
The exact rule
Three conditions must be identical for two positions to count as "the same":
- All pieces must be on the same squares.
- The same player must be to move.
- The same castling rights and en passant rights must be available.
This means that if the same pieces are on the same squares but one side has lost castling rights, the positions are not considered the same.
How to claim it
In over-the-board play, you must claim the draw by writing your next move on the score sheet (without playing it) and telling the arbiter. In online chess, the platform usually detects threefold repetition automatically.
Fivefold repetition
If the same position occurs five times, the draw is automatic under FIDE rules (since 2014). No claim is needed. The arbiter or server declares the draw immediately.
When players use it
Players deliberately create threefold repetition when they want to force a draw: for example, repeating checks with a queen ("perpetual check"). This is a common defensive technique in losing positions. See defensive techniques.