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Usually, the (materially) stronger side stalemates the materially weaker side. Is there a position where the weaker side can forcibly stalemate the stronger side?

The only position I know where this happens is not forced, as White can choose to lose the pawn or go for the repetition instead.

[Title "White to move"]
[FEN "K7/P1k5/8/8/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"]
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  • To clarify, you're asking for a position where a side that is down material (1 pawn or more) can force a stalemate?
    – SecretAgentMan
    Commented Aug 24, 2022 at 15:13
  • 2
    If the weaker side can force a draw, he's not really the weaker side, is he? That is, forced draws have an engine evaluation of 0.0.
    – Andrew Chin
    Commented Aug 24, 2022 at 15:13
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    updated the question. I indeed mean material, not engine evaluation or other positional factors.
    – Hauptideal
    Commented Aug 24, 2022 at 15:36
  • There are several examples in the answer to this question: chess.stackexchange.com/q/23671/9025
    – Herb
    Commented Aug 25, 2022 at 15:15
  • @Herb thanks. I found this interesting. However in all examples the stalemating side is the stronger one (except in one case where both sides are equally strong)
    – Hauptideal
    Commented Aug 25, 2022 at 22:02

1 Answer 1

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[FEN "8/8/8/3p4/1ppp4/prrp1K2/nqpp4/nbbk4 w - - 0 1"]

1. Kf2
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  • 3
    I think an absurd solution is the only way to answer this question.
    – Andrew Chin
    Commented Aug 24, 2022 at 17:49
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    I like this solution. Black has plenty of extra material. Why do you think absurd solutions are the only answer? Do you think that there are no "normal" positions that could be from a real game resulting in a forced stalemate by the materially weaker side?
    – Hauptideal
    Commented Aug 24, 2022 at 19:00
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    I think it's the best way to illustrate that the question has an obvious answer (and the answer is yes, there does exist a position [...]).
    – Andrew Chin
    Commented Aug 24, 2022 at 19:01
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    Actually, there even exists a study where White gets a draw by either stalemating Black or getting stalemated, but don't nail me on it, I don't remember anything else...
    – Hauke Reddmann
    Commented Aug 25, 2022 at 6:44
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    @HaukeReddmann Oh no! Now you have triggered my interest!!
    – Hauptideal
    Commented Aug 25, 2022 at 13:09

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