Opponent is losing badly... and offers a draw?!

Does this happen often to others or is it behaviour that my opponents save up just for me? This has happened several times so far. I'll be playing a game and dishing out a sound beating to my opponent. After one too many blunders, I'll notice in my chat screen that my opponent has just offered a draw. This defys my sense of decency, but at the same time my soft side feels sorry for the person. (Yes, I know, I'm a pushover) I've taken the draw once or twice... and then felt rather stupid afterwards. When will I ever learn? This is chess! Be ruthless!!

Anyway... any care to share their experiences or thoughts about this?

It happens to me occaisonally, and irritates me.  Playing chess online with strangers is not about racking up rating points or scamming people out of a win, its about playing chess.  When someone tries that on me I make sure to beat them in the most ridiculous way possible, like promoting all my pawns to knights.  I NEVER take the draw, and even if I blow it and lose in the end I stand by that.  I do not feel sorry for people trying to do that.

It is a good idea to win.  Just make sure you do.  I was playing a game and really thought I had the advantage and my opponent offered a draw.  I refused and it turns out that we were really more even than having an advantage.  I made a mistake and my opponent took advantage of my error and won the game.

I haven't had that experience so far; but at the very most I'd find it amusing and probably type something like "You're joking, right?".

Anyway, I don't think you should accept a draw in this kind of situation. Unless the guy is a trusted friend and/or he played a good game and just lost material to a blunder making you feel sorry for the guy... Nevertheless you should allways think: Would he do the same for me if I asked a draw on a loosing position?

Anyway.. in my opinion it is quite a pathetic and dishonorable thing to do.

Just reject!! Why does it say Accept or REJECT? Otherwise it'll be just accept, right? lol. You are not the losers until you click Accept =P. So far, they are. lol

That happens alot doesn't it? Draw? Refuse with a double exclaim!!  I always say, especially when they are in a mate net, "I think it was the resign button you were looking 4." Only accept a draw when it is legit or when u r loooosing;D

internet + anonymity = worst behavior

I think that when you're down is the only real time you ought to offer a draw. I see no reason to be offended if people offer the draw when they are in a comically bady position--they're just trying to get the best possible result. If you are confident you can win, reject it. But I don't see why it's so upsetting. Have a nice laugh and pat yourself on the back for getting to such a great position, and then mate the guy.

i think it ONLY happens to you...

wah wah wah,

it's a yes or no question, get over it...

good post erik

I just feel so ruthless. "I want you to suffer so I can have a bigger number next my name! Suffer I tell you!!" 

i have a friend that i play frequently and he offers a draw in his obvious losing position.

its more of a humorous notion.

I argee with Ravetacular - I've offered a draw while getting beaten badly, but just as a joke, and only with people that I play with on a regualr basis...  It's never worked for me, though!

You should only offer a draw if in:

1. A position wherein checkmate cannot be achieved, like two lone Kings left on the board, etc.

2. The arcane 50 move rule.

3. When stalemate occurs.

You cannot offer a draw when you're the one getting a beating. The person should take the loss like a good sport and learn from it. I myself threaten to hold my breath until my opponent gives in.

                                        Signed

                     Hugh "Blue In The Face" Patterson

Enormous_Gastrood, How did you quote so many different comments at the same time?

I remember one game in which we were equal on material (both very low), but he was positioned a little better, and I offered a draw, to which he replied, "Oh, I don't think so.  I am however accepting resignations today."  We both got a good laugh, and continued the game as I said, "Well, I guess you're just going to have to kill me then, cuz I'm a Chess Spartan, and we don't resign!!"  We laughed some more, and he proceeded to remove my final pieces until I had nothing left but my King.  I said, "I'm going to name my King, 'Forrest.'  Run Forrest Run!!"  But he could only run for a few minutes before there was nowhere left to run.

The moral of the story is: it doesn't matter if you win, lose, or draw, it doesn't matter if you resign or checkmate, what matters is that you laugh while you're doing it!!  Of all the things in this world to get upset over, an online chess game with a total stranger is not one of them.

I offer conditional draws. If say, there is 2 Kings and 2 rooks, one on each side, that would be a time in which I would offer a draw. Hey, it's better than not asking and then losing!

Last resort , offer  a draw  ,just takes  a push of that button .

Yeah it is weird...I don't know why people do it...my response is always the same: "Draw?  Are you serious?" 

Take it as a joke. Laughter is the best medicine. :))

once in a while am tempted to do the same..... however, it's an honor to accept defeat.....but everyone's got an option and a mind of his own, so it's the opponent's call....to accept the offer or not....