Player stalling in hopelessly lost game -- chess.com will do nothing about it

I've twice reported to chess.com a player I'm currently playing an "online" game with who not only refuses to resign in an utterly lost position, but has been doing everything possible to delay his inevitable defeat, taking the longest time possible betwen moves, sending irritating messages via the game's chat, and then, last but not least, with only 34 minutes left to make his next move (and knowing I will checkmate him on the next move), suddenly going "on vacation".

Chess.com's response to my complaint was simply that it's up to the player to decide when he wants to resign.  I've tried to impress on them that this individual is abusing the system, but so far, it's fallen on deaf ears.

I'm *very* tempted to post the name of the individual in question here, just to warn others not to play with him.  He completely violates the spirit of normal chess playing etiquette, even going so far as admitting that he's hoping I'll somehow timeout and he'll win the game (his *only* chance of winning, I can assure you).

I'm very disappointed that chess.com does not seem to understand or appreciate the nature of my complaints re: this individual, and will take no action to reprimand or warn him re: his outrageously unsportsmanlike behavior.

He's using the clock the way the clock is allowed to be used. If it's hopelessly lost, then it costs you nothing. Relax and stop trying to make other people adhere to your sense of ettiquette. You'll be much happier for it.

Well, instead of checkmating him, turn about would be fair play. Make him want to resign by dragging his delima out as long as possible for practice in not accidentally drawing and exploring all of the possible checkmates you could use. I think using a game well in hand, "when your opponent is in no hurry for it to be overwith", is actually a "fair" idea. I would promote every pawn and make sure I left no stone unturned. Make him never want to play you for every good reason you can.

the win is mine mine MINE

I've never heard of that one. I find that interesting that they won't nail someone for stalling, but they will decide it is unfair to " overpromote"? I'd have to see it to believe it. He doesn't necessarily have to promote or checkmate either. I don't think they flag your account for that one.

set up conditional moves and forget about the game. 

Interesting point!  I just checked, and it looks like mine is the only game he's "on vacation" with.

And no, I just want to finish him off and be done with him once and for all.  I've already added him to my "block" list, and once this game is over, I'll have nothing more to do with him, you can be sure of that.

I wonder if chess.com might take notice now if I inform them that he's abusing his vacation privilege?  It's not that I'm looking to get him kicked off of the site altogether, I just want to be able to wash my hands of this jerk.  He really is a most annoying individual.

your opponent got 4 days left of vacation, when that run out you will be awarded that win.  

Tempting as it may be to just try to totally torture him (he certainly deserves it!), it hardly seems worth the time.  This guy is just so "not right", it ain't funny!  Seriously, he's tried taunting and insulting me, trying to assume a position of superiority because he's a paying member and has played more games here than me, all sorts of ludicrous nonsense.  Initially, before I realized what I was dealing with, I very politely suggested he just resign and we could start a new game.  His response was to offer a draw!  It's been all downhill from there.

Fortunately, I've also made the acquaintance here of some very nice people who I've been enjoying playing with, so this one kook among the bunch is not that big a deal.  I just wish chess.com would recognize what I'm trying to tell them about him.

Yes, and I will rejoice most heartily to be done with him.  :-)  Never again!

It has happened to me multiple times before (and yes, it is rather annoying, but you can just put it out of mind) so I just set up conditional moves covering all the lines and just play the mates in 1 or 2 with the forced moves and he just has to resign or play it out. Either way, I never have to look at the game again. 

While that may be technically true, he's still clearly violating the spirit, if not the actual letter, of the rules.  I just find that most despicable.  Has he no shame at all?

meh... if hes playing by the rules, then hes playing by the rules... choose games with different rules.  the conditional move thing is a good idea too :)

Yes, it is, as a matter of fact, and he knows it.  His attempts to delay the inevitable are downright pathetic and childish, IMHO.  He honestly seems to be holding out the hope that I'll somehow timeout and lose the game.  Even if such were to miraculously happen, what sort of a "victory" would that be for him?

I almost feel sorry for him (almost!).

Good idea!  And since he only has two possible moves, easily enough done, too.  Why didn't I think of that?  :-)

It just seems to me that, if chess.com wants to be regarded as a site for "serious" players, then they need to take things like this more seriously.  The response I received from chess.com was a terse, one-line comment to the effect that it's a player's right to decide for himself when he wants to resign (clearly missing the point altogether).

I think chess.com is a terrific site, the best I've ever seen.  I know some of the more casual players might consider me a bit of a "stuffed shirt" for making a fuss over this issue, but I have no doubt that most others would understand where I'm coming from and agree with me.

Oh well, let me go setup those conditional moves and forget this putz.  :-)

Thanks, everybody.

Uh...what???  "Cuse"???  Translation, please?  :-)

The OP's opponent hasn't broken any rules except for the vacation abuse, chess.com is fully aware of this. This will come under the Fair Play Policy when the game is finish. On the hand you could have easily stalemated him and ended up in a draw instead.