If only the king is left on the chessboard, the game's outcome depends on the pieces of the other player. Below is a breakdown:
| Scenario | Outcome | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Both players have only their kings | Draw | The game is immediately declared a draw, as neither player can checkmate the other. |
| One player has a king and a bishop or knight; the opponent has only a king. | Draw | A checkmate is impossible in this situation, so the game is immediately drawn. |
| One player has their king and other pieces; the opponent has only a king | Game Continues | The player with additional pieces needs to checkmate the opponent’s king to win the game. |
Detailed Explanation:
- Bare Kings: When both players are left with only their kings, a checkmate is impossible because kings cannot directly attack each other. Consequently, the game immediately ends in a draw.
- King and Minor Piece vs. Bare King: If one player has just a king and a minor piece like a bishop or knight, while their opponent has only a king, the game is also an immediate draw. This is because it's impossible to deliver a checkmate with just these pieces.
- King and Major Pieces: The game continues if one player has their king and additional pieces (like queens, rooks, or multiple minor pieces) against a lone king. The player with additional pieces must checkmate the lone king to secure a victory.
Key Takeaways:
- The absence of other pieces impacts the outcome of the game significantly.
- The ability to checkmate the opposing king is critical to victory.
- Some scenarios with minimal pieces lead to automatic draws.
