etiquette

Is it proper chess etiquette to accept an offer for a draw.  When I was clearly up in material and position, my opponent offered me a draw which I declined.  My opponent then became quite obnoxious in the chat room.  Comments... 

The proper chess ettiquette is not to offer a stupid draw in the first place. If your opponent is such a whiner, simply block the chat box and enjoy crushing him.

Its not proper ettiquette (chess) to even offer a draw when losing.

I don't recall the position for the first offer for the draw,but I went on to win even tho I made some subsequent mistakes.  That would seem to negate the known draw position.  Thanks for all fgor the feedback.

Rex, I have read much about "proper ettiquette" regarding resigning, and now, concerning offering draws.

So I once again inquire, just who or what is the existing authority for determining this? I have never come across anything official, either from FIDE or any of the chess sites. It seems to me, then, that what constitutes "proper ettiquette" is totally a matter of personal opinion - even if that opinion is shared by many others.

Yes, that's basically right.  Once a player 500 points below you offers a draw in an equal position and you feel a bit offended you'll know why.  Offended because they're saying "I know it's a draw and have the technique to prove it against you." when you know all you have to do is play 5 more moves and they'll very likely blunder as they have no idea what's actually going on. 

Once you've proved it's a draw, then it's ok to offer.  Otherwise the stronger player offers first.  It's like during a middle game after pushing a passed pawn if you reach over and to place your captured queen next to you, it's like saying "it's all over now".  It's the unspoken arrogance... although in the case of the lower rated draw offer, not as much arrogance, just an example. 

So you're right, it's not a written rule, but clearly saying a lot non-verbally.

most of the etiquette stuff is not written down in a rule book but just common courtesy (some stuff is written down like cellphones going off).

if you had mud on your shoes and about to enter into a friend's house he shouldn't need it to be written down for you can read  "you should take your shoes off before entering".

 Nothing could explain it better- good analogy.

Yeah, the actual rules can be confusing at first, but are easy to explain.  Basically no talking on your opponent's time.  Don't adjust pieces, don't offer draws.  Only do that stuff when your clock is ticking.  Also for the draw offer, you have to show them your move first.

Move - "I offer you a draw / how about a draw / etc" - hit clock.  This is the only valid offer.  Sounds confusing at first, but it's not too hard after a few times.

@ REB: Against a stronger player, is it rude to point out your drawing line?

I have offered a draw (declined) in an opposite bishops ending, where my opponent can make no progress. Pawns are equal. When my pawns are attacked, my bishop can always defend. If I ever move my King, I lose, But I dont intend ever moving my king, and he cant force me to, except by forcing my king to another square from where I really would never have to move.

I really know how to draw this. Could I offer again, and explain my motivation, or wait for the 50 move rule?

 Its not written anywhere. Its also not written that you shouldnt pick your nose at the table. Does everything have to be written down ?

I know from almost 40 years of tournament experience that serious players consider it improper to offer a draw when you are losing. While there is no written rule against it , you will offend many players by doing so and you certainly won't make any new friends this way. So who decides whats proper etiquette for serious chess ? I would suppose the accepted ( by the majority ) standards of chess etiquette.

If I am in a clearly winning position and my opponent offers me a draw ( no extenuating circumstances to forgive this ) I will feel insulted and redouble my efforts to be certain I win the game.

I have played the strongest Portuguese players since coming here and there is only one I have met that has done this..... offered me a draw when losing. I declined and won the game.

Offering a draw in a lost position deserves utmost contempt. I agree with NM Reb, some things are too obvious to be written down.

If a player 500 pts below is offering a draw for no reason...I rarely assume they are being arrogant but rather that they are chess blind.  Or that they are desperately funny and have a "ya never know til you try" mentality.  I suspect I'm probably more correct than not. 

I guess I think of it somewhat as when you move the captured queen over to your side, indicating that you believe your pawn's promotion is unstoppable.  If a beginner did this and they were clearly just blind, not so much arrogant, it's still a bit offensive.  They may not realize what they're indicating non-verbally, but they are.

But like Reb hinted at, you may get over it quickly if there were some extenuating circumstances.  If you can secure clear first / a norm with a draw -- if it's a team match and one team has clearly already won -- maybe this the player's first tournament even... there are probably some more situations when you'd excuse it, or even be happy to accept... in Reb's case what if Portugal was playing in the world cup, and this game was going on a bit too long... I've heard of worse reasons to accept a draw but in most cases it is a bit rude... at least over the board.

There was a guy here who posted a hilariously articulate article about the outrageous psychological tricks involved in otb chess. I'll see if I can find it. Maybe Artfizz or kco would know. :)

I know, Go to articles, and type in how to annoy your opponent

I've seen this a million times.  The funniest ones are where you're one move away from checkmate and your opponent offers a draw.  Of course you should decline.  :)

just decline then kick his a-- stop whining

It might be that your opponent didn't recognise your winning position, but then I do not understand his offensive language in the chatbox. That is actually not acceptable anyhow, so, yeah, close the chatbox and just win!

hay whats wrong offering a draw when getting beat. if the other player agress