I've apparently been doing something wrong in my declining of draw offers. In three games, I had people offer draws when they were down a piece or more and someone else offered a draw after 10 moves. When I declined I thought it would be a good idea to message my opponent so they knew I had seen the draw offer and hadn't simply made a move. And I said something like It's improper to offer a draw when you're down in material or It's too early to agree to a draw. This apparently upset people in all the games and we traded unpleasant comments back and forth, somewhat I would sincerely NOT want to do in the future.
So, what do other people do in the same circumstances: simply make a move and ignore the draw offer? Or just say I decline a draw? I really would like to stop getting into these types of disagreements.
I think the "improper" word is the kicker. I generally decline draws with "I think I've got a win here" or "not sure." I often offer a draw with a line or two, or some hip-pocket analysis, too. But there's a difference between making comments about the position and making comments about the proprieties of making a draw offer.
Just tell them " No thanks, I'm winning." and play on, and then ignore subsequent offers. Its never "improper" to offer a draw, just futile if you're behind. People don't like to be told that what they are doing is "improper".
I used to be quite open to draw offers, but the more I play, the more I realise that most of them are a cry for help. Of course, I'll still accept them if I'm behind!
Thanks for the feedback everbody. I was taught it was improper to offer a draw behind in material or very early in the game, but I guess that's not how everybody else feels. I think I'll adopt something like USMC suggestion; "No thanks. Let's play on." The Chessmaster thing gave me a good laugh; I remember how that stupid thing in CM 4000 would make you play out certain draws no matter what!
I do agree with you though. Offering a draw when you're behind, or very early in the game when they have no raeson to see they are drawing or winning is just plain stupid. Your wordings of it being an improper action sounds fine to me and i wonder why they all blew up on you.I should mention that some really do see it as a draw, some don't know all endgames. I was surprised when someone offered me a draw in a king+rook vs king endgame. I am now showing him how it's done 🙂. He messaged me that he didn't think it possible politely, so no harm was done...
Originally posted by no1marauderIt sounds to me as if you have a fair sense of what is improper.You've been thaught well.Nobody has a reason to get nasty if you decline a draw offer.It's an OFFER,take it or decline it,your choice.What you say is up to you,it's probably best to stick with the short "No thanks,let's play on" as you intend to do.
Thanks for the feedback everbody. I was taught it was improper to offer a draw behind in material or very early in the game, but I guess that's not how everybody else feels. I think I'll adopt something like USMC suggestion; "No thanks. Let's play on." The Chessmaster thing gave me a good laugh; I remember how that stupid thing in CM 4000 would make you play out certain draws no matter what!
About the rules of draw-etiquette.Only repeated draw offers are considered not done.It's harrassment.Anything else goes.Personally,I don't have a problem with offering a draw when losing.Not that I would do it myself.But some see this as a lack of respect.When someone offers a draw in a K+Q vs K ending it's just a (bad)joke.Laugh(in silence) and proceed to mate 🙂
Sir Lot.