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When to take a draw

When to take a draw

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Hi all,

Is there a point that it becomes bad form not to accept a draw.

Thanks

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Originally posted by meyekal
Hi all,

Is there a point that it becomes bad form not to accept a draw.

Thanks
Only when it is technically a draw due to insufficient pieces, threefold repetition, the 50 move rule..
There is also the perpetually check issue, but.. technically, thats an opinion there.. if you feel it really will be perpetually check, you probably should draw, but.. if you don't, once you hit the 50 move rule, it will be a draw anyways.
Insufficient pieces - ie.. King+knight v King, or King+bishop v King, or King+Knight+Knight v King

side note.. what about K+Kn+B or K+Kn+Kn+b? Never had an ending like that.

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Originally posted by meyekal
Hi all,

Is there a point that it becomes bad form not to accept a draw.

Thanks
When to take a draw:
My view may be summed up in these:
1) When there isn't sufficient material for either of the sides to win, or the advantage of the superior side is minimal (i.e. R vs. B /there are exceptions to this however some positions with that material are won/)
2) When the side that has the advantage cannot improve it's position (the so-called "fortress" positions). Positional draw.
3) The three-fold and as a particular case the perpetual check situation.
4) Theoretical draw positions. This include King and 2 Knights vs King endgames, Bishop supporting a- or h- file with colour opposing that of the promotion square, and so on.
And the optional rule of the thumb:
5) When the balance is so uncertain that any attempt to play for win may result in disaster (losing the game)

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There isn't much more to add to what's already been said above, except that in some games, you might find that it just "fizzles out" into what looks like a draw, even when there is still sufficient mating material on both sides. I will often accept a draw in such a position if it's offered.

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Originally posted by MIODude
Only when it is technically a draw due to insufficient pieces, threefold repetition, the 50 move rule..
There is also the perpetually check issue, but.. technically, thats an opinion there.. if you feel it really will be perpetually check, you probably should draw, but.. if you don't, once you hit the 50 move rule, it will be a draw anyways.
Insufficient ...[text shortened]... ght+Knight v King

side note.. what about K+Kn+B or K+Kn+Kn+b? Never had an ending like that.
N and B can mate, as can B and B. But N and N can't.

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Originally posted by ark13
But N and N can't.
Oh, really?

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Originally posted by Bowmann
Oh, really?
I'm sure he means that it can't be forced.

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