Why won't my opponents resign?

I've been in a losing position in a few of my games for a number of weeks now, and despite my slowing my game play to the point where I'm taking the maximum allotted time and maximizing my use of vacation, my opponents simply refuse to resign out of frustration.  A couple of my opponents have even had the audacity to begin using conditional moves against me.  The nerve!

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not hoping for a timeout by secretly wishing them ill or otherwise indisposed or even hoping that they shuffle off this mortal coil -- winning like that simply wouldn't be honourable.  All I ask is that they recognize my superior will to win at any cost, and afford me the courtesy of resigning these games.

Wasting my time like this is the height of rudeness.

It's their right not to resign no matter how long you take for your moves

It may be their right, but it's downright rude and inconsiderate.  The right thing to do when faced with such obstinance is to throw your hands up in frustration and resign.  What really gets my goat is that these aren't even beginners -- they should know better.

Maybe they'll have a stroke or a car wreck and you'll win!

Such subtle skill!

Honestly, I wouldn't feel right about that.  I don't wish anyone ill, all I ask is that they resign when appropriate.

LOL...Classic grobe

I think it's an oax.

I think it's an ox, or maybe an ax.

I like that - oax.     Especially paired up with paul211's "take the bull by the horns" line.

This thread should be fun, as I imagine you are having (I'm pretty sure I've seen you counter this very same argument before).

Wow!

Someone actually argued this before?

You can only do your best, and not more. If some people are so irrational and stubborn that they will refuse to resign when they have a won position, and even when the game drags out, there is nothing to be done about it. But you say "for a number of weeks now", as a paying member you should be able to prolong these games for at least a couple of months using vacation time.

Keep the good work !

You should try the "two week" gambit -- start a bunch of games with people, at a time control of 14 days per move, and tell them "it's just because I don't have much vacation time.. I'm a really fast mover"

Then in those that you fall behind on, use the max, and just point them to the forums where people complain about people using max time.

I am usually against whiners who complain about their opponents not resigning. However,I think TheGrobe has presented a compelling case. In the particular situation he describes, the failure of his opponents to resign can be seen as nothing less (or more) than pure obnoxiousness.

I dont like runny oax

Also, I can introduce you to a group called Sadomasochists... or was it Spartans ?

If it is totally hopeless I expect my opponent to resign. I had one who did not recently when I had two queens against only his King. Yes, they have the right to play on but I feel it's disrepectful. I resisted the urge to pawn another queen for 3 and went ahead and mated. I was thankful that he played without great delay. Maybe some play on hoping life will force you to run out of time.

i find myself wondering how many people read the grobe's comment and figure it is just so full of typos that the meaning is reversed.