Draws

bb_gum234 wrote:

SmyslovFan wrote:

Ziryab wrote:

SmyslovFan wrote:

Put another way, the side trying to win is the one who should offer the draw. 

Would you agree that this guideline supercedes a rating differential of 200+?

I'd say the higher rated player is the one playing for the win unless he's close to losing. In which case the higher rated player often offers a draw. 

By far, the most common mistake I see in OTB chess draw offers is that as soon as the lower rated player doesn't have a constructive move, he offers a draw. He usually doesn't even realise he's already in a lost position. 

It would be better if the lower rated player didn't offer a draw unless he is absolutely certain his opponent has no winning chances.

I agree, and if only for the mental aspect I think it's important. When playing a higher rated player I coach myself that they will not accept any draws so I shouldn't bother asking (and I wont accept any either). That helps me focus on fighting every move.

Maybe this isn't for everyone, but it helps me fight for a draw (if I find myself in an equal position with slim winning chances). And vs a stronger player, they usually make you work for it. When I'm playing with a result in mind, my play usually starts slipping.

This hits the nail on the head.

Yes, I agree that I very rarely offer or accept draws. I want to play chess at the end of the day, that's the main way you improve. Every agreed draw, unless it's because the position is genuinely completely drawn, is a lost opportunity to play chess.

Well that's not true. Most of the time there is another game waiting to be started in place of the one ending.

I'm talking about OTB chess

I'm sure you had a good reason not to specify that even though it was in no implied. Perhaps whilst you're at it you can continue to change your implications to OTB tournaments or what you said is still wrong.

Erm, not sure what you mean. If I'm playing a OTB tournament with 5 games in it I want those games to be as contested as possible, not just agreed drawn. Don't see what is "wrong" with this.