user9058: If the only pieces left on the board are the two kings and a knight, is it ever possible to force check mate? I mean, if the bare king avoids the edges and stays close to the opponent's knight, I don't see how the game can ever end. I was in this situation for more than half an hour yesterday and we were forced to draw. 

user5653: No, it is not possible to checkmate with a lone knight (K+N vs K). 
However, Add another Bishop and you'll be able to Checkmate (K+N+B vs K)
There is a rule in Chess which goes like this "No Mating material = Draw"
So: 
K vs K = Draw
K+N Vs K = Draw
K+B Vs K = Draw

user9048: No, it is not possible.
The knight simply does not cover enough space to checkmate the black king.
When a position with insufficient material to checkmate occurs, a draw by insufficient material is declared.
Draw by insufficient material is declared when, and only when:
K vs K
K + N vs K
K + B vs K
Technically, a king and 2 knights versus a lone king can still result in checkmate. However, here the black king has to be dumb enough to cooperate and go into a corner and be checkmated. And so it is usually declared a draw by insufficient material.

9058: <p>If the only pieces left on the board are the two kings and a knight, is it ever possible to force check mate? I mean, if the bare king avoids the edges and stays close to the opponent's knight, I don't see how the game can ever end. I was in this situation for more than half an hour yesterday and we were forced to draw. </p>
 5653: <p>No, it is not possible to checkmate with a lone knight (K+N vs K). 
However, Add another Bishop and you'll be able to Checkmate (K+N+B vs K)</p>

<p>There is a rule in Chess which goes like this <strong><em>"No Mating material = Draw"</em></strong></p>

<p>So: </p>

<p>K vs K = <strong>Draw</strong></p>

<p>K+N Vs K = <strong>Draw</strong></p>

<p>K+B Vs K = <strong>Draw</strong></p>
 9048: <p><strong>No, it is not possible.</strong></p>

<p>The knight simply does not cover enough space to checkmate the black king.
When a position with insufficient material to checkmate occurs, <strong>a draw by insufficient material</strong> is declared.</p>

<p><strong>Draw by insufficient material is declared when, and only when:</strong></p>

<p>K vs K</p>

<p>K + N vs K</p>

<p>K + B vs K</p>

<p>Technically, a king and 2 knights versus a lone king can still result in checkmate. However, here the black king has to be dumb enough to cooperate and go into a corner and be checkmated. And so it is usually declared a draw by insufficient material.</p>
