Author: KarinsDad
Date: 12:00:04 04/05/00
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On April 04, 2000 at 23:22:05, James T. Walker wrote: >My opinion about the 50 move rule is that is should be discontinued in games >which have a sudden death time control. There seems to be no reason for a move >limit when there is already a time limit. Since a game cannot last "forever" as >in years past why should there be a 50 move rule? >Other opinions? >Jim Walker Although I dislike the 50 move rule, I think it has to be used in games where Fischer time controls are used to prevent games from lasting forever. In sudden death time control games, it is a mechanism that allows TDs to arbitrate a game WITHOUT having any real chess knowledge. However, the problem is not one of whether it is essential. It is not essential. It just happens to be a convenient way to figure out if a position is probably (but not definitely as shown by EBTBs) drawn. So, the question comes down to not whether it is needed or not, but rather whether there is a better mechanism to detect draws. The only alternative I can think of is to have several rules: 1) If the position is a known draw with fairly decent play (whatever that means), then it should be considered a draw by the TD. Example KRKR where neither side is in jeopardy of losing a rook. 2) If the position is a known win with accurate play, then the "winning" player should be allowed a number of moves based on the type of position. A table with the number of moves allowed per known winning piece count could be created. Example KNBK where the winning side is not in jeopardy of losing a piece. 3) If the position is shown to be drawn by one player to the TD, the TD can declare it a draw (the other player should have a chance at rebuttal). 4) Otherwise, the 50 move rule should be in effect when the TD cannot make a decision. Now, to be totally fair, #3 could be dropped from the list. The REAL problem with the 50 move rule is that it protects people from arriving at a position where they do not want to capture or push a pawn, but they also do not want to lose out on time. If you screwed up and arrived at such a position, either you should take a chance with the position, or you should convince your opponent to take a draw, or you should risk losing on time. Ditto for your opponent. KarinsDad :)
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