Should I be accepting a draw?

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mkilborn468

Nov 7, 2020

I've had a lot of people lately offer a draw when they were in a losing position. Does anyone know the etiquette around this? Is it good sportsmanship to accept a draw from a winning position? Or is it just a last ditch attempt to not lose? I don't feel like I would ask for a draw from a losing position, I feel like I'd resign and take my medicine, but maybe that's not right?

Thoughts?

(By the way, I don't mind if they ask, I'm just not sure if it's bad form to not accept)

Lagomorph

Nov 7, 2020

Accept a draw if:

the game is a drawn position

you are ahead in piece count but low on time *

the game is even, but your opponent is much higher rated than you.

Otherwise play on and hopefully win the game.

*The exception to this is if your opponent has insufficient mating material. Then you should play for the win, because if you do run out of time the result will be a draw anyway.

Sarleigh93

Nov 7, 2020

An offer for a draw is sometimes because they made a mouse slip. If it’s obviously a mouse slip (king moves one square instead of casting), I accept the draw even if I’m wining. I offer draws for obvious mouse slips too.

I don’t feel obligated, if they get bent about it, well that’s on them. Chess brings out the worst emotions in many, you’re not responsible for their emotions.

The annoying people are the ones that continually offer a draw after every move for the remainder of the game. They get blocked and reported immediately.