Patt
stalemate (chess); deadlock
noun PAHT Rare
Origin: from Italian 'patto' (agreement)
Usage Note
Patt in chess means a position where the player to move has no legal move and is not in check, resulting in a draw. Figuratively in eine Pattsituation geraten means to reach a deadlock. The noun is neuter: das Patt.
Examples
"Er versuchte verzweifelt, ein Patt zu erzwingen, um die Niederlage zu vermeiden."
Natural Translation
He desperately tried to force stalemate to avoid defeat.
Literal Translation
He tried desperately to force a stalemate in order to avoid the defeat.
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