Checkmate vs Stalemate – What’s the Difference?

In chess, the game can suddenly end when the king has exactly no moves left, but the result still depends on whether it's a checkmate or stalemate. Checkmate means you’ve won the game, while stalemate means it’s a draw, even if you were ahead. So, this small difference can be confusing, especially for beginners, and it often turns winning games into missed chances. In this blog, we’ll explain both terms in a simple way, share examples, and give you expert tips in order to help you avoid common endgame mistakes.