How many moves are left to checkmate when the opponent only has a king?

Question

my parents always argue about this i told them its 10 but they are never convinced

Answer 1

Yup, it's fifty moves.  If you can't checkmate the opponent in that time, it's a stalemate.

Incidentally, a lot depends on what pieces YOU have.  For example, a king and a bishop cannot checkmate a king.  That would be an automatic stalemate.

You CAN checkmate with only a rook and a king, I seem to recall.

Answer 2

You do NOT win if they only have a king.  Once the king is the only piece that can move or is left on the board then if the king can move 50 times without mate it is a draw.

Answer 3

Wouldn't it all depend on what you have left too?

Answer 4

Actually, if your opponent only has a king, and u have like your king and something else, you win.