Draws in Blitz

[GKarRacer]

I think I prefer the current USCF way. It can be disadvantageous to claim touch-move. Let’s say your opponent touches a piece that could potentially make a good move, but instead moves something else that hangs his queen. Would you really want to call touch move?

Similarly the move shouldn’t be determined simply by touching a piece, even if there is only one legal move to make. The clock should keep running, etc. If the game doesn’t end with that move, eventually that extra used clock time may become a factor later on. The opponent shouldn’t be penalized for this indecision.

[Akzidenz]

@Crume

Terry I can understand your confusion. Micah’s “blitz rules clarifications” thread only muddies the waters because it doesn’t answer your question PLUS goes far afield of this topic into other Blitz “problems.”

For blitz chess, I interpret the absence of those options as “not allowed” options. TDs are welcome to test the appeals process and TDCC on it. I read this quoted sentence and deduce that the normally accepted options for sudden death do not apply to Blitz.

@U.S. Chess Federation (2014-06-10). United States Chess Federation's Official Rules of Chess

Take note that Blitz is not Quick Chess with a 5-minute time control (which follows standard sudden death rules).

In blitz it’s practically difficult to achieve 100 non-pawn or non-capture half moves in the allotted time with a TD counter/witness. It’s also practically difficult to have a 3 position repetition with witness(es).

None of this precludes two players using the situation as a vehicle or excuse to draw. For any draw claim, a TD should first make everyone aware that it’s a draw offer before judging whether the claim is correct. The two players may agree to the draw right away. If the offeree doesn’t want the draw, then I would deny the claim on grounds that it isn’t an option in Blitz. YMMV.

Thanks, this is very useful advice. This has actually come up a couple of times in our unrated club blitz tournaments, and I didn’t know the answer, and our more seasoned blitz players didn’t know the answer, and heck, Bill Smythe wasn’t there – all of which led me to search the forums and find this post. And I agree with Tim Just that the rules committee should address this in the blitz rules.