As a chess expert with a deep understanding of the game's intricacies, I'm delighted to delve into the scenario you've presented. When you find yourself in a chess game with only a king left for each player, several outcomes are possible, depending on the specific circumstances of the game.

Firstly, it's important to understand the basic objective of chess: to checkmate your opponent's king. A checkmate occurs when a king is in a position to be captured (in check) and there is no legal move the player can make to remove the threat of capture on the next move. However, when only kings remain on the chessboard, achieving a checkmate is impossible since there are no other pieces to create the necessary conditions for a checkmate.

In such a situation, the game can end in a draw under several conditions:


1. Stalemate: This occurs when the player whose turn it is to move is not in check but has no legal moves available. This is a form of draw where the player is not under direct attack but is unable to make a move without putting their king in check.


2. Fifty-move Rule: According to the rules of chess, if fifty consecutive moves have been made by both players without a pawn being moved or a capture being made, the game is considered a draw. This rule is in place to prevent endless games where neither player can make progress towards checkmate.


3. Threefold Repetition: If the same board position is repeated three times with the same player to move, the game can be declared a draw. This can occur through a series of moves and counter-moves that return the board to the same configuration.


4. Agreement: Players can mutually agree to a draw at any point during the game. This is often done when both players assess the position and determine that neither has a realistic chance of achieving a checkmate.


5. Insufficient Material: If neither player has enough material to force checkmate, the game can be declared a draw. For example, a king versus a king obviously cannot end in a checkmate, and thus it's a draw by default.


6. Seven-Move Rule (not an official rule but a practical consideration): Some players follow an unofficial rule that if no significant progress is made within the first seven moves, the game is considered a draw. This is not recognized in official chess rules but can be a guideline in casual play.

In conclusion, when only kings are left on the chessboard, achieving a decisive victory is not possible, and the game will likely end in a draw under the conditions mentioned above. It's a testament to the strategic depth of chess that even in such a simplified scenario, there are multiple pathways to a peaceful resolution.

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By the "rules" of chess, 50 moves without captures or pawn moves will result in a draw. When the ONLY pieces left on the board are two kings, a draw occurs. You can also ask the other player for a draw ("I offer a draw"). Threefold repetition of a position will also result in a draw.May 2, 2012read more >>