perpetual check

American  

noun

Chess.

1. a continuing series of checks resulting in a drawn game because they cannot be halted or evaded without resulting in checkmate or a serious disadvantage.

2. the situation in which this occurs.

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perpetual check British  

noun

1. chess a consecutive series of checks that the checked player cannot avoid, leading to a drawn game

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Etymology

Origin of perpetual check

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

Qg8+ Kf6, and then throws away the draw by eschewing perpetual check with 65.

From Washington Times • Nov. 28, 2023

Qxg6, and White has a perpetual check in hand and a little threat of 21.

From Washington Times • Oct. 18, 2023

Rg3+ Kh6 and White, down a boatload of material, has nothing better than perpetual check.

From Washington Times • Feb. 21, 2023

Black misses chances to complicate matters — 43…Qe1!? would have served up both mating perpetual check threats — and one last finesse gives White the point.

From Washington Times • Sep. 14, 2021

Black threatens to obtain a draw by perpetual check through BxPch, followed by Q-R5ch and QxPch.

From Chess Strategy by Du Mont, J.