The value of a draw

The value of a draw

Avatar of mirolehtonen
| 0

A few moves after sacrificing one bishop for two pawns and a better position, I have the chance to draw the game by forcing repeated moves. In that sense, the sacrifice was good because it landed me in a position where I couldn't lose. But I could also win by finding the best moves, which was of course true before the sacrifice, only the moves are now much harder to find and the second best moves are probably losing. Also, winning might require a sequence of 10+ good moves, including some hard-to-find ones. So the question is, take the 100% draw or go for a 60% win?

A draw is not a win. If I worried about losing, I wouldn't play at all. But is it a good game if I take the draw after 20 moves? Questionable, at best, unless we consider all the other factors. For example, who are we playing against? A draw against a world champion would feel like a big win! Another point: what are the real chances of converting the position into a win? There's a zero chance of me finding the best move ten times in a row - but there might be a chance to find the winning moves. And my opponent is not a world champion. The biggest and maybe the only factor leaning towards a draw is that it's a tiny bit better than a loss.

Only a win is a win. If I really want to win, the answer will be easy - just go for it! So it comes down to how much I really want it, or how much of a winner I am, or how much self-confidence I have. I just need to talk myself into it and then I'll win. I should also stop worrying about being down material. Okay?! But what's the move????