I think it is an agreed matter of chess etiquette that you do not offer a draw in a hopelessly lost position. However, I often see scholastic players doing that. They do not seem to know that it is bad manners to do this.
There are exceptions. In a recent tournament I offered a draw (something I hardly ever do) when my position was lost on the board but my opponent had only seven seconds left on his clock. He accepted immediately.
If you have a lost position but you think your opponent will not realize it or will not see the winning move or he has previously offered you a draw, it is perfectly legitimate to offer him a draw. However, if you are a piece down with little realistic chance of survival it is bad manners to offer a draw.
I bring this up because it seems that every time I play a kid, he offers me a draw as soon as I get a winning position. I think somebody should tell these kids that it is bad manners.
I think I agree with much of what you say, although I wouldn’t be so hard on kids who violate what might be considered adult standards. They’ll grow up soon enough.
I’ll add a point or two to what you have said.
Usually, it is bad form to offer a draw in an even position when your opponent is much higher-rated than you. Obviously your opponent knows you would accept a draw, don’t insult his/her intelligence by informing him of the obvious.
Some kids extend their hand when offering a draw. This gesture was probably taught to them by a well-meaning coach who thinks it is good sportsmanship. But it has the look and feel of intimidation. Coaches would be well-advised to tell their kids simply to make their move, state “I offer a draw” (as a declarative sentence), and press their clock immediately without expecting an immediate response. It is then up to the opponent to ponder the offer on his (the opponent’s) own time. If the opponent accepts, it is then appropriate for that opponent to extend his hand as part of his gesture of acceptance.
Bill Smythe
Offering a draw in a worse position is bad etiquette unless there is a mitigating factor such as:
-
the player in a better position has significantly less time
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the player in a better position is rated significantly lower
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the player in a better position will clinch a significant prize (norm) with a draw
I’m sure someone can think of a few others. Of course if the position is MUCH worse (i.e. down a queen with no compensation) then pretty much any draw offer by the worse position player is going to be insulting.
I think it would be an insultimg response to an insulting offer, if the offending player were told “Ask your parents / your coach to teach you some manners.” I would certainly be tempted to say it.
Actually, this would qualify as educational, but mind you, there are some pretty big kids these days.