| 7-12-15 Much Ado About Nothing in Asheboro by NM Leland Fuerstman For a change, I shall divert the reader's attention from the utter incompetence of the current NCCA officers and the glaring negligence of their website. Not one single report of any kind since an event which transpired in March?? After all of his promises and assurances, if VP Jeff "Pig" Jones has quit, why not announce it and replace him. What a national embarrassment? --- Now, on to a more personal note. When I arrived at the Asheboro Open on 7-11-15, I was paired with a friendly gentleman by the name of Dr. Joe Graves (1840) who greeted me with 1 e4! Over the past few years, when I play the Dragon, I sometimes find myself getting a bit too creative!? After a crazy, ill conceived combination which resulted in the loss of most of my pieces for the Queen, I offered Draw on move 21 which my opponent promptly declined. (See Game 1537). However, after some aggressive Queen maneuvering and the successful capture of various scattered Pawns, the position became a bit more level. Regardless, saving the game would probably require a mistake on my opponents part. And, sure enough, as luck would have it, after positioning my Queen accordingly, White played 43 f7?? whereupon Black was able to capture both Rooks and the passed Pawn for the Queen! However, by this time, White was in time trouble with less than 3 minutes remaining. And, with Pawns on both wings, the game still required accurate play. Finally, White played 49 Kg7, pushed his button, and offered Draw?! I quietly stated, "offer it legally and I'll consider it." On the following move, he made his move, pushed his button and again offered Draw on my time? Again, I said, "offer it legally, and I'll consider it." whereupon my opponent became loud and aggressive stating, "I did it in a friendly manner; I've played chess all of my life and I know the rules." I responded with, "Sir, you do not know the proper legal procedure for offering a Draw." A few more "unfriendly statements" were shared, whereupon the TD intervened and asked us both to step out into the hallway. However, though I requested a rules interpretation, TD Tom Hales did not grab a copy of the rulebook nor even attempt to explain that particular rule to my opponent? Apparently, he was more concerned about a loud, distracting argument (and the possible loss of a future entry fee) than explaining the rule to the guy... Moments later, we retreated to the board, a few more moves were made, and the game was Drawn. *********************************
USCF
Official Rules of Chess
P.45, 14B1. Proper
timing of draw offer. "...a player should make a
proposal of a draw only after determining a move (actually
executing or making the move) (9G) and before
pressing the clock (before pressing the "button"
on the clock)." p.24, Rule 9G3. Draw
offers: "the interval between
determination and completion of the move is the proper
time to offer a draw." (It is illegal and
distracting to offer Draw on your opponents time).
14B5. Repeated offers. "Repeated draw
offers may be construed as annoying the opponent, and
penalties are possible at the discretion of the TD.
If the first offer has been declined, it is improper
to offer another draw unless the opponent has since
offered a draw or the position has changed
substantially."********************************
Though Dr. Graves is listed as a Club TD,
he has never directed, nor assisted in directing a single
USCF rated event. On the other hand, NM Leland
Fuerstman achieved the Title of National
Master in November of 1984.
Furthermore, since 1972, as a Senior Tournament
Director, I have organized and directed hundreds
of events many requiring rules interpretation and
enforcement. (NC Chief TD List)
As the years have gone by, the rules of chess have
changed. I don't claim to know them all, but I do know
Rule 14B1 quite
well! And, my opponent clearly violated that
rule. Needless to say, I was disappointed with
the way the incident was handled and somewhat offended by
the fashion in which I was treated and addressed. I
deserve more respect than that...I remain, NM Leland Fuerstman Charlotte Chess Club |