When I am well behind on material I usually throw in the towel. Was I right to do so on these occasions?
Game 2368120Game 2380449Game 2372838Game 2343133Game 2322717
Yes, of course. You were easily losing in all of those games. One can never be sure one will actually lose a lost game, and for that reason, resignation is never the best decision statistically. However, if you believe in resignation, which most do, then those were the times to excersize that privelege.
Yeah, I guess my opponent would have had to suddenly start playing like a donkey for me to have won. But then sometimes you can squeeze out a draw without playing well (eg stalemate). Personally though, I'd rather just start a new game if I sense the present one is dying on its rear end.
The bazam game hurt the most. i was so close to victory, then I blundered away my queen and that was that.
Originally posted by hammertime217Yes 29 QXQ was definately superior to 29 RXP??
Yeah, I guess my opponent would have had to suddenly start playing like a donkey for me to have won. But then sometimes you can squeeze out a draw without playing well (eg stalemate). Personally though, I'd rather just start a new game if I sense the present one is dying on its rear end.
The bazam game hurt the most. i was so close to victory, then I blundered away my queen and that was that.
Originally posted by hammertime217Before you move, take a quick look at all your opponent's legal replies. It will do wonders for the rating.
Yeah, I guess my opponent would have had to suddenly start playing like a donkey for me to have won. But then sometimes you can squeeze out a draw without playing well (eg stalemate). Personally though, I'd rather just start a new game if I sense the present one is dying on its rear end.
The bazam game hurt the most. i was so close to victory, then I blundered away my queen and that was that.
All right all right. I just get carried away when I think mate is near. My brain just goes to pieces. Maybe i need to play a more "boring" defensive style from the outset. I often think I don't use or protect my pawns enough. I just love rampaging around with the queen from about move 3 onwards.
Originally posted by kmac27Just because you can't mate doesn't mean you can't draw.
if it is pretty much impossible for you to find mate then dont be a dick and resign. if the bank rank mate is still up for grabs try and offer them more pieces for mate. but playing a lost game isn't very sportsmanlike. especially when theres no chance for you to win or draw.
Remember the queen is after your King the most important piece. I have learned to set the centre with pawns and develop the "light brigade"the knights and bishops. After setting (if it is possible!) your king "behind bars''. Think about more plans in the beginning of the mid game. It is not recommended to play to quikly with your queen.
Originally posted by hammertime217There's always the possibility of a draw by 3-fold repetition:
Yeah but how can you play for a draw? If you're in a weak position of being material down and unable to win, surely you can only hope that your opponent plays a bad sequence leading to stalemate?
That's why I don't bother.
Game 101345
Originally posted by hammertime217No, that's simply not the case. You can be down material, but not enough for the opponent to be able to win. In all of those above cases, resignation was certainly called for. However, there are many examples of positions in which you cannot win, but you can force a draw even against the best play.
Yeah but how can you play for a draw? If you're in a weak position of being material down and unable to win, surely you can only hope that your opponent plays a bad sequence leading to stalemate?
That's why I don't bother.
Originally posted by hammertime217I'm not saying that you should play defensively. I try to play a more tactical style myself, and I like attacking. However, you can't get much of an attack when you let your opponent capture all your attackers for free. 😛
All right all right. I just get carried away when I think mate is near. My brain just goes to pieces. Maybe i need to play a more "boring" defensive style from the outset. I often think I don't use or protect my pawns enough. I just love rampaging around with the queen from about move 3 onwards.