So if I find a problem which says "white to play and draw", should I still be playing for a win?
Is it bad form to play for a draw?
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Apr 28, 2009
0
#23
If you are in a losing position and are resourceful enough to find a draw...
Congratulations, Take the draw as you have earned it!
There's nothing wrong with a draw...I mean, it's part of the game right? Your opponent was in bad character I think. Anyway, it's just a game and shouldn't be taken so seriously! Play to win yes, but don't take the enjoyment out of it! Once the pleasure of playing is gone, what's the use?
Every Chess game has three possible results:
WIN, LOSE or DRAW!
Every player worth his salt will try for a Win, Draw and if these two are not possible; then he will end up a loser!
There is nothing wrong in trying for a DRAW. It basically means that it is a "NO WIN" situation for both players!
If you are facing an unclear position, you may have a move in mind that may win it, if played closely to perfection. At the same time you weigh that you may not play that well yet, so you won't make that move ( you certainly don't want to lose the game and look like a fool), you make another move that will definitely draw the game ( you are that good enough to understand that). I believe this was the purpose of your question, no?
My answer? Trust your instinct, and go for the win ( the opponent may not play the perfect defense after all anyways....) It will feel sweet if you pull it off, and if you don't, you will feel courageous for trying, and you'd be proud for it.
docbunner wrote:
pandelus wrote:
I had a blitz game where I was a piece down and played for a draw by repetition. In the chat window the opponent became quite abusive. I reported this and I believe the mods have given him a warning - my question is - is it poor form to play for a draw by repetition? I think that it's a game and you want to get the best result you can, and if that is a draw then that is what you should play for. I just wondered is this how other people see things?
I have been playing Chess since I started 7th grade in 1960. My Chess Coach and instructor was Dr. Zemzars in Perry, Ohio. He taught us all to play for the win no matter what. However, if you are down in material and about to lose, then to definitely go for the draw. There is nothing wrong in getting a draw. Learn from the mistakes that led to this draw and improve on your game.
Note: I was playing a neighbor friend a game of chess one time. I allowed myself to get in a very difficult situation just to see what he would do. He started in by telling me that he had me and that I should resign. I asked him if we could finish this game on another day since it was just getting interesting. A week went by before we got back together to finish it. Meanwhile he looked at it every day anticipating moves, etc. I never saw the chess board again until we restarted play. Meanwhile he kept on telling me that he had me that there was no way for me to win but to concede defeat. Again I told him that it was just getting interesting. I beat him in 20 minutes later. To this day he refuses to play me another game. I had offered him a draw but he refused since he was winning.
Apr 28, 2009
0
#28
If you offer a draw to a higher rated opponent with a worse position, I guess it's a "trojan horse" draw offer? You are pretty sure it won't be accepted, but then again it should have a little bit of a psychological effect for them later, if you come back and have a better position.
Well, I think it's a legitimate way to end a game...
ADK
Apr 28, 2009
0
#30
As long as u have exhausted ur chances of winning its legitimate! Always play for a win first and then a draw. Knowing when to go for the draw or win comes with experience.
Apr 28, 2009
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#31
If you look at games played by grandmasters, a huge percentage of them end in draws. personally, if i draw a higher-ranked opponent, i consider it a win of sorts. If i draw a lower rated player, then i consider it a loss, since i should know better.
If that is the best result you can realistically expect from the position then that is what you should do. Also, if you are in the final round of a tournament or match and all you need to win is a draw then it makes more sense to play for a draw. If you are playing a team event and the captain tells you to play for the draw.
Apr 29, 2009
0
#33
I played in the U1400 section of tournament here in Ohio back in January. In the final round I was 3.5/4, and would win clear first with a win in the final round. (I was actually "playing up" in this tournament, as my rating had dipped below 1200.) My final opponent was rated much higher than me and quickly had me in a bind. I offered a draw in a materially equal position, but he declined and we played on. Soon, his positional advantage deteriorated and I then gained a material advantage. At this point HE offered me the draw, which I too declined and went on to win the game and the section.
I share this story to show that what may appear to be a drawn position (or even a WON position) isn't always so - much depends on how the position is played or misplayed. Don't always be quick to accept a draw; always ask yourself "Why is my opponent offering a draw here? What does he/she see that makes him/her think no progress can be made?"
Wait... sometimes 2 players draw, because they think they can't win, but sometimes they draw because they are afraid of the opponent, and lose would be tragic for them - especially in tournament (Petrosian made many draws in less than 20 moves...)
go for the draw sometimes when im loosing i let the opponent run out of time if you can loose by it win withit. good games
May 23, 2009
0
#36
Fortunately, my math degree makes me qualified to make the following statement as true:
0 < .5 < 1
In chess, the goal is to score "points" which we have attached one point for a win, 1/2 point for a draw and zero points for a loss.
If somebody asks you whether you would prefer zero dollars, 1/2 dollars (50 cents), or a dollar then you would certainly take the dollar.
If your choice is only between 0 dollars and 1/2 dollar then you would take the 1/2 dollar (I assume).
Technically speaking, a player wins a chess game, not withstanding clock issues by (a) checkmating opponents king or (b) an opponent conceding the game.
In your example, neither (a) or (b) is possible for your opponent so take your 50 cents and run.
e4forme wrote:
If you are in a losing position and are resourceful enough to find a draw...
Congratulations, Take the draw as you have earned it!
Bingo. If your opponent finds the challenge of finding checkmate to arduous and wants to take the easy road, then go for it.
Only go for a draw if your in a worse position. Notice that time is a factor in this evaluation. If the game is equal play it out. Have confidence that you can hold off the higher rated player's attack.
I go for draws and stalemates, when I am unable to checkmate and am losing because the objective is to win. When it is not possible to win the next better solutions are the draw or stalemate. Another goal I use is to keep playing in a lost position, because usually when I am losing I have made a mistake and sometimes by continuing to play my opponent makes a mistake, I regain the advantage and win sometimes. Many times the winner is the one who makes the least mistakes.
I had a blitz game where I was a piece down and played for a draw by repetition. In the chat window the opponent became quite abusive. I reported this and I believe the mods have given him a warning - my question is - is it poor form to play for a draw by repetition? I think that it's a game and you want to get the best result you can, and if that is a draw then that is what you should play for. I just wondered is this how other people see things?
a draw against a higher rated opponent counts as a win on some level even though ratings-wise you only get half a point.
the danger of playing for a draw is that you could lose, but if the draw is secured and you would benefit from the draw and you couldn't see the win...then play for the draw.