That's what I do with my friend who is far better than I at chess.  I know by a certain amount of moves I am either down on material or strategically dislocated so my pieces aren't supporting each other on the board and it's just a matter of time.  I'll ask him if it is ok to play it out, usually to a certain point, just to see where he would go.  Not that I am getting any better at predicting where he will move, but so I can see where a better player did better.  I save some of the best games to file for further study.  And for the topic - resigning is almost a unknown etiquette to beginners (I say almost) at least in my case.  But playing on isn't a waste of time - especially if you either learn something from it, or in the one whole game I've won against my friend - a strategic error on his part.  And only because I had a discovered check from a two pronged bishop and forking knight attack on his king in the corner.

ok ... so ... i have a game i am totally winning... and have been in a winning position for about 2 weeks or more now ... i have 2 queens and loads of pawns and opposition has king and 1 pawn ...

so he is now 1 move away from checkmate... but it has taken this long 2 get him cos he plays 1 move every 3 days and waits till last minute 2 take his move ...

bad loser!

this i think is time wasting and he has no good sportsmanship whatso ever.

And I thought I was the only one...

Cyen said:

"I think I might be in the minority though with ideas of "honor" and "courtesy" when playing online chess."

As a greeter it's funny how people will keep typing GO!!!! MOVE!!! and so forth but I put it down to them being new and selfish.  We live in a very selfish world.

I see both sides...I like to keep playing because it gives me experience in moves.  Nothing like 21 down in the 4th quarter to make your mind focus.  But I also see where the other player could see this as a waste of time.  I like the suggestion that the two players talk and respect the wishes of the one that has the obvious win.

Chuck

yep i totally agree anda

It's not over until the fat lady sings. However, if you hear her vocalizing, you may as well resign. Time is precious and you could be making moves (presumably smarter moves) in a new game in place of pointless moves in a game where the end is absolutely certain.

i dont mind carring on myself because if you can easily win why not finish it

With respect, There are different gray areas invovled when deciding to resign or not. A beginner (or someone like me who is still learning) may not realize the game has been lost. I can't fault someone for not knowing they have lost the game. But... when it becomes obvious! (ie: Only your king is left) then I feel it's pointless waste of time, and lacks common courtesy to not resign. Some refuse to resign in the hopes that the person makes a final mistake and causes a stalemate, imho-that's not an honorable win. In addition, there's the possibility of a disconnect in blitz chess games - again, not an honorable win.

I've the best way to appoach a situation that you do not wish to resign yet, is to ask your opponent if he minds if you play the game out a little while. Most people will respect you for asking, and it lets them know that you hope to learn something about an endgame versus just waisting time.

I think I might be in the minority though with ideas of "honor" and "courtesy" when playing online chess.

I'm curious what other's think also.

-cyen