Tactics & checkmates
Perpetual check
Perpetual check is a sequence of checks from which the opposing king cannot permanently escape. It can save an otherwise losing position. FIDE has no separate automatic draw rule called perpetual check; repeated positions often provide the route to a draw.
A practical example
A queen pursues an exposed king with checks on neighbouring diagonals. If the stronger side cannot escape without allowing mate or losing too much material, the checking side can often secure a draw.
A common mistake
Expecting three checks to produce an automatic draw. Threefold repetition concerns the same position, same player to move and same possible moves; under standard over-the-board rules it also requires a valid claim.
Try this in your next review
In losing positions, search for safe checking sequences. Calculate king escapes, interpositions and queen exchanges. Check how your playing platform handles repetition.