Why was this a draw? - Chess Forums

PsylumChess

Nov 19, 2013

0

#1

I realize that this was to my advantage because I ran out of time first. But still... Why didn't I lose on time?

I played black.

PsylumChess

Nov 19, 2013

0

#2

I think I understand. If it's impossible for white to win and black runs out of time its a draw (or vice versa).

Thanks!

Bur_Oak

Nov 19, 2013

0

#3

Precisely. The player with time remaining must have sufficient material to theoretically be able to checkmate. In the absence of sufficient material, he could not win given all the time in the world, therefore a draw is the only fair and logical conclusion to the game.