Friday 1 March 2013

Speaking of draws

Having just discussed the number of draws in the Zurich Chess Classic (although in all cases they were pretty exciting ones), GM Ian Rogers weighs in on the topic of *short* draws. He specifically discusses the final round of the Reykjavik Open, when the game on board 1 went 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 1/2-1/2. As is Ian's style he doesn't hold back, even giving fellow Chess Life blogger Greg Shahade some criticism.
As someone who as directed tournament which have had restrictions on when draw offers can be made, a legislative solution can sometimes be difficult (ie determined players can always find a way around the rules, and conclusively proving collusion is often difficult). I do like the approach that the Doeberl Cup currently uses (offering a potential reward for players who do not agree to short draws), but in the past I have also suggested another approach. Instead of defining the number of moves that must be played, instead specify the minimum number of minutes. That way spectators get a guaranteed viewing time, although there is no control over the quality of the game (Banning the Exchange Slav is probably a step too far).  My original proposal can be found here.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

[irrelevant] I'm interested in joining the Canberra Chess Club for their Rapid Championship (6 - 20 Mar). Would you know if this is rated and at what time and place is it held?

Anonymous said...

Keep to the topic... canberrachessclub.com - I think the best way to stop short draws is an incentive to play on longer, eg. a prize. But the rules could also act as a better incentive.

Antony S. said...

http://vbhat.wordpress.com/2013/03/03/quick-draws-or-why-ian-rogers-is-partly-wrong/