How to Offer a Draw

Do you remember the scene in Searching for Bobby Fischer in which little Josh Waitzkin offers his opponent a draw by quietly extending his arm for a handshake? See the Ask GM Joel column at Chess Life Online to learn why this should NOT be done.

Do you want to offer a draw? After you make your move and hit the clock, just ask your opponent "Do you want to call it a draw?"

Remember, when a draw is offered, the other player doesn't have to accept or decline immediately. His or her clock is running, and can take as much time as the clock allows to either accept the draw offer or make a move on the board. Of course, if a move is made, this means that the draw offer has been declined and is no longer "on the table."