Originally posted by Mad RookThis is the "everyone is out there to get me" thought in a chess mind!😛
[b]No need to explain your reasoning for declining the draw offer. Just politely say that you'd like to continue, and leave it at that. If you want to explain, that's OK, but it's not necessary - An explanation risks giving your opponent more information than he deserves.
Originally posted by Mad RookFrom an international perspective, it's FIDE rule 12.6:
From a USA perspective, this OTB etiquette is simply the practical application of USCF Rule 14B5. This rule does allow an exception, though. If, after you've made a draw offer, the position has changed substantially, you are allowed to make another draw offer. (Of course, you'd want to be reasonably certain that the TD would agree that the position had indeed changed substantially.)
It is forbidden to distract or annoy the opponent in any manner whatsoever. This includes unreasonable claims or unreasonable offers of a draw.
Of course, one can argue about what "unreasonable" means, but that's what we have arbiters (or Russes) for; each move would certainly be unreasonable no matter what the position, but beyond that, it's usually a judgement call.
Richard
I always try to give an explanation for declining a draw. You don't want them thinking you are saying " I wouldn't give this nitwit a draw on my worst day." or " Why would I want a draw with the likes of you?".
Usually if the position and ratings are about even, I don't mind a draw, even in the early middlegame. If I see some attacking chances, it's another matter. 🙂 A friend of a friend, who was a master, used to offer draws from worse positions. He knew they would decline, but it would mess them up psychologically. I have done that before, and it really does work some of the time. 🙂 I guess they are so worried they will make a mistake, that they wonder if declining was wrong. Also, I was always told it was wrong to make two consecutive draw offers. It is really irritating in a time scramble to have someone make a move and offer a draw over and over.
On another subject, here's a funny story (possibly fiction) from a book I have. Two players agreed to draw before the game. They made a few moves, and the master offered him the agreed draw. The other player said "Let's make a few more moves to make it entertaining." Not really thinking, the master lashed out 15 or so more moves. The other player had a slight advantage and said "Let's make a few more moves. We don't want them to be suspicious." After another sequence of moves the master looked down at quite a miserable position. The other guy was reaching to start a game winning combination (obviously he had no draw in mind). After the move, the master scrambled all the pieces to the center of the board and said " I accept your draw offer." 🙂
The swindle didn't quite work out.
The story may not be exactly the same as when I read it, but I hope you got some enjoyment from it. I think it's from How To Cheat At Chess.