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.

---

perpetual check British  

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of perpetual check

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

perpetual check

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

Nxd2, Black has a perpetual check with 22…Ne4+ 23.

From Washington Times ● May 23, 2023

White even disdains a perpetual check with 16.

From Washington Times ● Sep. 23, 2014

In the following position, for instance, White on the move can draw the game by giving a perpetual check on e8 and h5.

From Chess and Checkers : the Way to Mastership by Edward Lasker