:) they are good questions!
it is appropriate to offer a draw when you think the game is a draw :) meaning, you don't think either side can make progress to win.
resign? well, when you feel you don't have a chance to win anymore. this is mostly personal preference.
Two questions of chess ettiquette:
1) When is it appropriate to offer a draw?
2) When is it appropriate to resign?
I realize that the first may not actually be an ettiquette question, but I really have no idea how to use these two options. Makes me feel kind of stupid, actually.
-Justin
Normally you should offer a draw after making your move and if you really think the position is drawn. You should resign if you feel your position is hopeless.
You should resign if you feel your position is hopeless.
Define hopeless? I sometimes make a horrid mistake and think that I am done. I would hope that as I get better though, I'll be able to fix those problems.
Occasionlly one may resign, because the position is hopeless:
http://www.chess.com/echess/game.html?id=462691
Although the material is level, and almost a full compliment remains on both sides, I judged myself to be very nearly in Zugzwang and totally lost. I'm unable to stop my opponent improving his position, whereas mine cannot be improved. I'm just waiting to be served up!
I think to draw, if your opponent's rate is higher than yours, you should not offer the draw first. You have to wait until your opponent offers a draw unless the position is clearly draw. Sometimes, I face some opponents whose rate is a lot lower than me and offer me to draw in the middle of game. It annoys to me. I mean I want to try this game.
To resign, you can play until your king is mated (FIDE rule), but you can resign before your king is mated if you want to.
I agree with chess_cake about the draw offers. If your opponent is much higher rated, give them the benefit of the doubt that there is still some play in the position. If it's a draw, just try and prove it. Rub there nose in it while doing so!
Furthermore, at top level chess, it matters a great deal who stands "slightly better" in a drawish position. I remember watching the webcast during the 2000 World Championship between Kasparov and Kramnik. In one of the games, Kramnik offered a draw while (I think) being down a pawn in a drawish endgame. Kasparov basically melted down at the board and shook his finger and everything. I'm sure most of it had to do with how the match was going for him, but it hinted at how it makes some players feel to recieve a draw offer when standing slightly better at the board.
As for resignation. I can't imagine a situation where an opponent would find it upsetting for you to resign. I really think it's your prerogative to resign whenever you want!
Two questions of chess ettiquette:
1) When is it appropriate to offer a draw?
2) When is it appropriate to resign?
I realize that the first may not actually be an ettiquette question, but I really have no idea how to use these two options. Makes me feel kind of stupid, actually.
-Justin