Brain Teaser!

There are two people playing a game - a close match, indeed. As the game goes down to the wire, one player gives up his queen. Not long after, the game is declared over, and the player without a queen is championed the winner. However, he did not achieve a checkmate, and his opponent did not resign or lose on time. How is this possible?

Answer:

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V

They are not playing chess at all!
The two people are enjoying a classic game of "Old Maid".