KB v KB, opposite

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OPTipping

I was in an online blitz game (3 minutes and no increment) vs a better player, and I was down a pawn, KBP v KB, bishops on opposite colours.

I managed to snaffle the pawn, and I ignorantly expected the game to end with a draw due to insufficient material, but no, we were still live. I had a bit of a time advantage: my opponent offered me his bishop, and I took it, which of course led to the draw due to insufficient material. 

I checked the Rules and sure enough, B v B on opposite colours doesn't bring down the draw. It made me wonder how a win could occur with such material, and I suppose the only way it could happen was if someone was such a numpty as to block their king in the corner with their own bishop.

So it seems that it is I who is the numpty and what I should have done was refuse the proffered bishop, play on and win on time. Right? 

Lagomorph

Well, yes and no.

3 minute games are all about time. So have no worries about your opponent losing on time

If however you had played for time and your opponent flagged with K+B vs K+B you would not have got a win on this site. It would be a draw. Under FIDE rules you would have got a win, but this site uses a USCF hybrid rule which is implimented by a simple piece count of your pieces. The computer would determine that a K+B cannot force a mate and thus the game is drawn.

 

OPTipping

Very interesting, thanks for your response. 

Trexler3241

K+B vs K+B cannot force a mate. Your opponent does not have to put his Bishop next to his king at all. He/she can just always avoid doing it.

RubenHogenhout

You can only win this if your opponent pays ridiculous like ,,,,,

 
but why would he do so? 

 

LionVanHalen

to be champion, one must learn such thing... if win possible one must play for win?

LionVanHalen

point of game is win my friend? if one like draw is checkers or domino... point of game to win, so one must achieve yes?

LionVanHalen

no, no, draw for those who cannot win? you see GM Shankland? he rather resign than draw, come back next day and win match yes?

MitSud
Lions got a point there, can’t dispute that one ;)
LionVanHalen

Praise for lion!? Shankland not stupid, he lose for motivation, Girli is new Petr Leko, win by boring his opponent into submission... better to lose than draw yes? draw is wasted game, but lose give motivation, prove wrong yes? Shankland come back and win, is great player... Shankland for president!

LionVanHalen

i take as compliment... pushwood for president! 

LionVanHalen

Well you couldn't do worse...