Against opponents rated below 1200, never resign. Most of them don’t know how to checkmate.
Against opponents rated above 1200, resign when you know you could win from your opponent’s side if you were playing against Ding Liren.
When should I resign
Sort:
May 16, 2023
0
#3
It depends on why you are playing a game and what time control is being used .If you find it enjoyable to play on to the bloody end, do so. However, if the time control is rapid or longer, then you might reconsider and better use your time by starting a new game. I resign once I believe I no longer have a reasonable chance of a draw, for me that's about 3 pawns/minor piece, though I do occasionally resign after blundering a pawn. You should ask yourself, what is the usual point of no return for you, where you can't salvage a game, that's the point you designate as resignable. I don't play out what I feel are lost games in the hope I'll salvage a game here and there; I wish to play, not collect points. Playing on when it's likely a lost cause is like someone who boasts about winning a $500 lottery ticket, while failing to mention that it cost $ 10,000 to do so.
When there is less than, say, 1% probability you can lure your opponent into a stalemating trap.
There are very hard ones and you can study deep patterns to get there. It's one of the main reasons why never to resign under 2000-level.
Unpopular opinion: Unless you are actively trying to improve, if you are losing and feel demoralized and upset, it is fine for you to resign. Sure you could turn things around, and us sub-1000s certainly can blunder away advantages, but even at our level that is definitely the exception. You can think of it like your pieces retreated instead of fighting to the death!
If are trying to improve, enjoy fighting a good fight, or simply are not as much a wimp as I am, then by all means force the opponent to checkmate you, but personally I can tell you that I almost prefer it when my opponents resign in the same manner that I would resign. Makes things faster, and it means I might even have enough mental energy for another game!
Personally, I think that resignation comes with a price. There's a reason for resignation right? You know you'll be beat. However, if you continue to play, accepts it ng defeat, but still making your best moves, your opponent may be able to teach you a lot if you play close attention to their tactics and moves. For that, I most often chose not to resign, even if my chances are completely shot.
May 17, 2023
0
#8
It depends on the type of game you are playing.
Yes, if you are playing classical and your opponent has an hour left on the clock and is up by a lot, you are free to resign. However, in bullet games, for example, NEVER resign, as the opponent can be up 15 points of material and still lose on time.
How many points down should I be before I resign?