Sometimes I offer a draw in a level position when I want to encourage my opponent to indulge in excessively risky play. I don't try this psychological ploy unless my opponent is about my rating or higher, since I don't want him to actually accept the offer.
Offering draws - when and who
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paulgottlieb wrote:
There are written rules, and they're the only ones that matter.In the case of a draw by mutual consent, you can only offer a draw when it's your turn. And I believe the correct procedure is to make your move and then offer the draw before punching your clock. Your opponent can then either accept your offer, or continue playing against the move you made.
Repeated draw offers can be a violation, as they constitute a form of harassment. In terms of unwritten rules, it's generally in very bad taste to offer a draw when you're seriously behind.
As a matter of fact there are written rules about harassment:
FIDE Laws of Chess, http://www.fide.com/fide/handbook.html?id=124&view=article :
Article 12.6
It is forbidden to distract or annoy the opponent in any manner whatsoever. This includes unreasonable claims, unreasonable offers of a draw or the introduction of a source of noise into the playing area.
That should do it as it is clear and easy to understand.
Thank you for your replies.
In the position I posted, when would the offer be appropriate, in you opinion?
Bear in mind he outrates me by 200 points. Does it make a difference?
rooperi wrote:
Thank you for your replies.
In the position I posted, when would the offer be appropriate, in you opinion?
Bear in mind he outrates me by 200 points. Does it make a difference?
It is a draw by repetition, if you claim it that is. So you do not offer a draw, you claim the draw. Or you offer the draw before the third repetition. The difference in rating is irrelevant.
Splane wrote:
Sometimes I offer a draw in a level position when I want to encourage my opponent to indulge in excessively risky play. I don't try this psychological ploy unless my opponent is about my rating or higher, since I don't want him to actually accept the offer.
The so called Trojan-horse draw offer (at least that's what a relatively recent USCF article called it) ... I've certainly seen it work. Sometimes it's quite an art, waiting to play a certain type of move, maybe a repetition to annoy a higher rated opponent or a move leading to complications... played right as their clock reaches 5 minutes... so sneaky 
When my opponent offers a draw I always follow the same procedure, even if I already know that I am going to accept or decline the offer. I say, "Let me think about it." And then I do just that.
Why? Twenty-five years ago I was playing a Grandmaster, Peter Biyiasis. I was a pawn up when he offered me a draw. It was only my second game ever against a GM and of course I was thrilled to be drawing with a famous player. I instantly stopped the clocks and shoook his hand. Only then did I look at the board. He had just blundered into a mate in three. That took all the pleasure out of the draw, let me tell you.
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paulgottlieb wrote:
Leaving the etiquette of draw offers aside for a moment, don't you have a forced mate after 39...Kh6? What about 40.Nf2 e1(Q) 41.Ng4+ Kh5 42.Qg5#. Or 40.Nf2 Qxf4+41.Qxf4+ Kg7 42.Ng4 etc.
Damn! I missed that. I was too worried about that pawn...
Plugged it into stockfish, and sure enough, Nf2 +327......
I usually play out a threefold repetition. This rule has saved me from more than one bad position. I won't normally offer a draw to a player who is significantly stronger than I am unless its an absolutely dead drawn position. I do this out of respect for their superior ability. This is probably a habit that carries over from when I was involved in martial arts.
rooperi wrote:
paulgottlieb wrote:
Leaving the etiquette of draw offers aside for a moment, don't you have a forced mate after 39...Kh6? What about 40.Nf2 e1(Q) 41.Ng4+ Kh5 42.Qg5#. Or 40.Nf2 Qxf4+41.Qxf4+ Kg7 42.Ng4 etc.
Damn! I missed that. I was too worried about that pawn...
Plugged it into stockfish, and sure enough, Nf2 +327......
Doh, I also looked for a mate after Kh6, I just didn't see it.
The one who feels like opening his mouth after a few hours of silence first in OTB. Not sure about CC though.
rooperi wrote:
Thank you for your replies.
In the position I posted, when would the offer be appropriate, in you opinion?
Bear in mind he outrates me by 200 points. Does it make a difference?
Firstly, I would like to say that you have brought up an interesting subject and every reply is correct even officially or unofficially. But it remains a contentious area in the game of chess.
Until recently, chess games continued until it was finally agreed upon to draw the game even if the same moves were repeated over and over again. Chess.com introduced the 'force draw' button, which will only become available if the same moves have been repeated a number of time by one or both parties. You are entitled to, upon your move to click on this rather than make a move. I have always left a message to my opponent why I did this.
BTW I disagree with the notion that it is always the highest rated person offering the draw. If you feel confident enough that the position is in effect 'stalemate', offer the draw. If it is declined and you lose, study your game to find out where it wrong for you. If you go onto win, your opponent will be the one with egg on his face!!
I'm always confused about this. Is there an unwritten (or written) rule?
Who should offer the draw in clear drawn positions, when both are obviously happy with the draw?