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

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

Rb2, retreating just in time to stave off perpetual check.

From Washington Times • Mar. 10, 2020

Morphy got a perpetual check upon him, and it was the only "draw" in the contest.

From The Exploits and Triumphs, in Europe, of Paul Morphy, the Chess Champion by Edge, Frederick Milnes