Stalemate is a situation in which neither side in an argument or contest can make progress. The war had reached a stalemate.

What does being a stalemate mean?

Stalemate is from an Old French word, estal, which means “place, position, or stand.” To be in a stalemate with an opponent is to be in a locked position, or a stalled place, where neither player can make a profitable move.

Is a stalemate Good or bad?

Stalemate is an important resource to hold a draw. For example, many rook endgames are drawn because the defending side sacrifices their rook to create a stalemate. The stalemate also offers escape from clearly lost positions where the opponent loses focus and allows the stalemate to happen.