Please note that this paper, submitted by a reader from Malaysia, is not immediately open for discussion. We have a second installment – feedback and new proposals by other readers – which we will publish in the course of the week. So we request that you hold back your comments and critiques until the second article is published. Letters that arrive before then might be ignored.
In this article, the "grandmaster draw" is dissected and analyzed. Firstly, a more accurate and proper working definition of the problem is given. Secondly, the effects of "grandmaster draws" are outlined and thirdly, some probable motivations for achieving "grandmaster draws" are critiqued by aligning them with the working definition of "grandmaster draws". Fourthly, the merits of proposed solutions to the problem so far are discussed, with some rejected while some requiring improvements. Finally, a mathematical, logical and practical effort to solve the problem is offered (I stop short of claiming a successful solution as the proposal should first be tested in practice, which have not been done).
Firstly, let us revisit the problem of "grandmaster draws" which have been the source of much debate within the chess community. The problem of "grandmaster draws" warrants a proper working definition and drawing from various comments in Chessbase, the problem can be defined more precisely as:
Unfought draws, especially short games, with both players playing safe or uncompetitive moves, and perhaps with elements of collusion or a "team" of players playing in a tournament as a cartel by agreeing to draws among "team" players, which occur more evidently in top-level tournaments or match involving top players.
It is also important to realize that a draw is not a problem when the game is hard-fought. Ron Dorfman pinpoints this exactly when he wrote:
"The problem is not the draw. The problem is the lack of competitive effort, which results in draws." (Chessbase, October 28, 2007)
Alexander Aguilar (Chessbase, December 29, 2007) went further to clarify precisely that "playing for a draw is the right of a player". To support this, I would say that playing for a draw actually produces quality, competitive games as well. If only one player plays for a draw and the other is not, the game could still be competitive.
A "grandmaster draw" occurs only when both players "agree" during the course of the game to the make the game uncompetitive.
Eric Duker (Chessbase, December 29, 2007) meanwhile correctly points out the fact that the length of draws is meaningless (this view is supported by Julio Kaplan, Chessbase, December 29, 2007) and does not reflect on the competitiveness of the drawn game. Another important point which Mr. Duker mentioned was chess positions are not easily evaluated by an average chess spectator.
Secondly, the effects of the "grandmaster draw" problem can be categorized into:
the integrity of the game – chess is a fighting, strategy game and as such should be played in accordance to its intended characteristic, where the outcome of a game based on agreement and not on performance is not in the spirit of chess (Mihael Ankerst, Chessbase, December 29, 2007)
fairness and reliability of results – results should reflect the true performance of a player (Mihael Ankerst, Chessbase, December 29, 2007) in a tournament/match and thus, any collusion or "team" playing is highly frowned upon and unacceptable
spectators' satisfaction – spectators pay to watch players play in tournaments or matches and naturally, expect to see interesting, well-fought games
sponsors' satisfaction – sponsors provide the prize fund and bears the organizing costs, therefore, expect well-played games which attracts and pleases spectators, thereby ensuring the commercial value of present as well as future tournaments/matches
Thirdly, the motivation behind "grandmaster draws" cited involves one or more of the following:
achieving or maintaining a certain ELO rating
- higher rated players sometimes would rather not risk losing rating points
to a (much) lower rated player
- a player playing to achieve a norm would be content to a achieve draw
placing in a tournament, and in effect, financial rewards
- e.g. when a player is in a position to win a tournament or be within the
top positions, the player is more inclined to get a draw to maintain the
advantage (say, in a 9-game tournament, a player has achieved 7.5 points
with the nearest rival at 7 points, the player with the higher points will
be more than willing to achieve a draw)
strategical purposes in a tournament or match
- a player may play for a draw in some games so that he could recuperate
and have a better overall performance in a tournament or match (Alexander
Aguilar, Chessbase, December 29, 2007)
- a player may also choose to draw to revive confidence say e.g. where the
player have been losing games in succession in a match
personal reasons
- a player who may be feeling sick or exhausted in the middle of a game
may choose to offer or play for a draw (Alexander Aguilar (Chessbase, December
29, 2007)
- perhaps a player already had "nothing" to play for e.g. the
title have been decided and even a win would not suffice to tie for first
Granted, the above are all probable motivations for participating in a "grandmaster draw". However, they do not accurately reflect the problem of "grandmaster draws". Going back to the definition of the problem of "grandmaster draws", it should be reiterated that "grandmaster draws" can only happen with the participation of both players. A short, unfought draw is only possible when both players veer to that conclusion. If one player is aiming or playing for a draw and the other player is playing to win or at the very least aiming for a compelling competitive game, the "grandmaster draw" would not occur.
Thus, all the points mentioned above require the extra element of both players having one or more of the above at the same time for a "grandmaster draw" to occur.
Josu Fernandez (Chessbase, November 15, 2007) aptly points out the Minimax Strategy in game theory where:
"Each player has arrived independently to the conclusion that drawing is the best strategy and play consequently in the most effective way to reach that result. The game ends with a high probability of draw, without a previous agreement or shady deal between both players."
Except of course:
collusion, playing as a cartel, or cheating
- the evil of all evil. Frederic Friedel in his Editorial note (Chessbase,
November 06, 2007) wrote:
"The real problem is often not short draws but cheating, which is very
real in the many open tournaments that are staged all over the world. It is
often to be observed that a group of strong players will take part in an open
as a team."
Enough said.
The various proposed solutions (and I only take those which are worth considering) to the problem of "grandmaster draws" so far can be classified into:
- The Christmas Rule (mentioned by Brian Karen, Chessbase, December 29, 2007; touted as a promising rule by Chessbase) where when a player proposes a draw, the draw offer would stand for the rest of the game. According to Mr. Karen, this would mean that only a player who is certain the position is "dead draw" would make the draw offer and once offered, it allows the opponent to play sharper lines while keeping the draw in hand. Agreeably, this would result in interesting and enterprising lines of play after the draw offer (it does not, however, ensure that a game would be interesting and enterprising up to the point before the draw offer) but this in effect creates an artificial situation as the player offered the draw now has, literally, nothing to lose and has the incentive to win "to prove to the player offering the draw that the draw offer was a mistake". Thus, out of fear (perhaps), the first player would not offer the draw. This artificial situation clearly benefits the second player. If the first player had misevaluated the position when offering the draw (and this definitely could happen), he is at a disadvantage as there is the possibility that he could now end up losing the game. It is true that the draw offer is discouraged but would the win by the second player be justified when it was achieved under a "nothing to lose" situation where in the normal course of the game (if the draw was not offered), the second player may not have played the interesting and enterprising lines. Certainly (in my opinion), the win can be considered as botched and unworthy.
- The Bilbao Rule, where a win is given 3 points, a draw 1 point, and no point for a loss. The purpose and effect of this rule is that it increases the incentives for playing for a win. On its own, however, it fails to address the problem of collusion/cheating and may even encourage that problem (Frederic Friedel, Chessbase, November 06, 2007) where there were various negative comments on these by various readers of Chessbase, citing the Bilbao Draw possibility (which was propounded by Ron Dorfman, Chessbase, October 28, 2007). Having said that, the proposal actually has merit in that it recognizes the importance of wins in chess by giving a higher point incentive to wins.
practical
- Rob Eisler (Chessbase, January 04, 2008) proposed the advantage of having
arbiters to decide on a dead draw but pointed out incorrectly that this
is a negative aspect as it involved a "third party". The arbiters
are definitely part of the competition in the game of chess (to jest, I
was going to say competitive game of chess, but then realized, as many have,
that some games are definitely not competitive). That's why they are there
in the first place, to be the referee for games in a tournament or match
(but their roles should be expanded).
financial
- Several suggestions were offered (e.g. those mentioned by Frederic Friedel,
Chessbase, November 06, 2007) but these financial incentives were only for
number of wins; the more games won, the more the financial incentive. Although
this is a good incentive and definitely encourages playing to win, it is
rather restricted and should be expanded (discussed in the next section).
The solution to the problem of "grandmaster draws" should address the characteristics and reasons of the problem as mentioned in Section 3. At the same time, the effects of the proposed solution should fulfill what was mentioned in Section 2.
In view of these, and concluding from the comments in previous sections, the solution to "grandmaster draws" should perhaps be mathematically, logically and practically satisfying. I propose:
S1 The scoring system is changed to draw with white (0.4), draw with black (0.6), win with white (1.0), win with black (1.1), loss with white (-0.1), loss with black (0.0). The rating calculation should then be factored accordingly.
S2 Players should be scrutinized by a small team of qualified grandmaster arbiters, and perhaps with the aid of GM-class chess programs, where uncompetitive players should be cautioned, results canceled, and perhaps subjected to a certain amount of fine, and if cautioned more than a certain number of times, be dismissed from a tournament or forfeited in a match.
S3 Proposed draws (where a player has offered and the other player accepted) should be evaluated by a small team of independent, qualified grandmaster arbiters, and perhaps with the aid of GM-class chess programs, after which a draw should be endorsed if it qualifies. If a draw is not endorsed, the game continues.
S4 More attractive financial incentives from the prize fund for:
- winning streaks with white/black
- best white game and best black game in a tournament, to be judged by the small team of independent, qualified grandmaster arbiters for the "fighting quality" (this time, no chess programs please, for obviously, only human grandmasters can evaluate the qualitative value of a particular game). When a best game is judged, both players get some incentive, with the winning player getting more if he won the game (say 90%) or shared if drawn (40% for white and 60% for black).
Now, some words on the proposed solution.
S1 Encourages fighting games as imbalanced incentives are provided for players of different colors. Since the number of games is usually even in number where a player plays white and black an even number of times (whether it is double round robin in tournaments, double mini-match, or a long match). For illustration, let us look at a simple four-game match simulation for two players, GM A and GM B. Both players played two white and two black games with GM A playing white first.
| Game 1 | Game 2 | Game 3 | Game 4 | Total points | |
| Outcome | White wins | Draw | Black wins | Draw | |
| GM A | 1.0 | 0.6 | -0.1 | 0.6 | 2.1 |
| GM B | 0.0 | 0.4 | 1.1 | 0.4 | 1.9 |
Original system = 2.0 points each
In the new scoring method, GM A would win the match by virtue of having scored
two "stronger draws" with black, whereas in the original scoring system
the outcome is equal. (The advantage in this scoring system compared to the
one proposed by Joseph Ellis is that it uses only one decimal point which is
simpler and more elegant; yes, a mathematician likes these aspects). Another
advantage is that it prevents unfought games which sometimes occur at the end
of tournaments/match where a player leading the tournament/match would protect
his position by playing for a draw. With the imbalance in draw value (as in
the example above, after 3 games, the positions are tied with 1.5 points for
each player), in the last game GM A would be happy to achieve at least a draw
and win the tournament/match but GM B would most likely play for the win as
a draw is insufficient for him. The difference in incentive above encouraged
different objectives for each player.
S2/S3 If other grandmasters can spot and comment on an uncompetitive draw (Iman Khandakher, Chessbase, November 08, 2007; Julio Kaplan, Chessbase, December 29, 2007; as well as GM commentaries that usually accompany a tournament/match) then they must be able to do the job as competent arbiters of a particular tournament or match. Players must be professionally refereed; as in soccer, as in basketball, as in tennis, as in kumite in karate. There should be substantial disincentive for participation in playing uncompetitive chess games.
S2/S3 On the concern of collusion/cheating, it could be overcome with the small team of independent, qualified grandmaster arbiters who would referee the tournament or match. With professional refereeing of a tournament or match, the effects of probable collusion/cheating is minimized. There should be substantial disincentive for participation in collusion/cheating (based on evidence of course). The remark "I cannot define it but when I see it I know" certainly applies.
S4 Players would be more inclined to win, and more importantly, win successively. In top tournaments or match, it is very much harder to win successively and it is not uncommon to hear that when a player scores 3 or more successive wins, the player is on form and performing extremely well. (Extra bonus points, perhaps 0.2 points, should be awarded as well for achieving the successive wins as a further incentive to play to win.) And there is incentive to produce the best game with white and the best game with black. Best games do not happen because one player plays well; it takes both players to produce an excellent game. And an excellent game need not be a win; it could be a draw as well.
The proposed solution above, in my opinion, fully fulfills the situations described by Jerry Olsen (Chessbase, December 29, 2007) who precisely pointed out that the solution to the problem of "grandmaster draws" should be effective, with minimal side effects, simple and realistic.
The proposed solution, S1-S4, I believe, fulfills these admirably. It is, however, open to debate.
Chess may once be a gentleman's game but the present situation of pervasive "grandmaster draws" clearly shows that more stringent external pressures (peer-review by arbiters and/or computer programs), internal incentives (mathematically better scoring and rating calculation) and financial incentives (for winning streaks and excellent games) must be employed.
For chess to be fully competitively entertaining, the chess world must be prudent, shrewd and decisive in maintaining the quality of play. After all, chess is about quality and not lame games or professionally unsatisfying players.
Kung-Ming Tiong is a mathematician and logician at School of Science and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia. He is interested in the application of logical and mathematical-statistical reasoning in aspects of daily life, and the factor of incentives which are related to personal reasoning decisions. Kung-Ming is also an avid chess player who has participated in state and university level competitions. He can be reached at victortiong(at)yahoo.com. |
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The problem of draws – feedback from our readers 04.01.2008 – The perceived problem of too many unfought draws in chess has led to a number of imaginative cures being proposed, involving the modification of the rules of the games, the scoring system and the prize distribution. Over Christmas we presented a particularly clever one: let the draw offer stand for the rest of the game. Here are reactions to this proposal and new ideas. Long interesting read. |
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The problem of draws – a Christmas solution 29.12.2007 – It is perhaps not appropriate to take up the subject while a tournament in Moscow is registering the lowest drawing rate in recent memory. But the question of quick, unfought draws still occupies the attention of our readers, and many have sent in new and imaginative proposals. One is so clever that we advocate trying it out immediately. The first organiser to do so gets to name it after his city. |
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Chess, football and the Bilbao Rule – Part II 15.11.2007 – The debate on the perceived problem of too many – unfought – draws in chess, and what to do about it, continues. The letters pour in and we keep receiving extensive, well thought through proposals that attempt to create incentives for playing to win. Josu Fernández presents closing arguments for the Bilbao System, while Serbian GM Dragan Solak tells us why he thinks it cannot work. |
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Chess, football and the Bilbao Rule 08.11.2007 – The discussion and the search for remedies for the perceived problem of short draws in chess continues. Josu Fernández, a Spanish organiser, sent us a report on the effects of the Bilbao 3-1-0 system on the football league in his country, and on what this means for chess. Other readers too have submitted thoughful papers on the subject. Again, it is a long interesting read. |
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The 'Bilbao Draw' – how it doesn't solve the problem 28.10.2007 – Chess fans and organisers all over the world are worried about the problem of too many draws in chess. Actually: about pre-arranged or unfought draws. Many remedies have been tried, including threats, prohibition and, most recently, the Bilbao system of awarding three points for a win and one for a draw. Is that the solution? No, says one astute reader and points to a possibly fatal flaw. |
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ACP Survey: what the players think about draw offers 22.03.2007 – In February the Association of Chess Professionals asked its members what should be done to combat short, unfought draws, which are often perceived to be the bane of chess. The ACP published a questionnaire, 171 members replied. |
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ACP Survey: What do you think about draws? 11.02.2007 – Short, unfought draws are the bane of chess fans. That at least is the public perception. The Association of Chess Professionals (ACP), which has 227 members, has launched a questionnaire to find a remedy. |
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Embracing Risk in Tournaments 14.12.2006 – The issue of playing style is not normally given much consideration in chess. In an interesting article computer scientist Darse Billings maintains that it is an important factor in the probability of winning. A player who tends to win or lose games has a significantly better chance of success in a tournament than a player who draws a lot of games. Read and consider. |
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The draw problem – a simple solution 10.11.2005 – Recently Ignatius Leong and Leung Weiwen made a very radical solution to the problem of too many draws in chess. This led to a vigorous debate amongst our readers – we bring you a selection of their often very interesting letters. But we start off with the voice of reason: John Nunn analyses the problem and proposes a much simpler solution. |
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A Cure for SAD (Severe Acute Drawitis)? 03.11.2005 – Draws, draws, draws – the problem has always faced chess, and it seems that there is no clear way to solve it. However, Ignatius Leong and Leung Weiwen, both of Singapore, offer a radical new proposal that would decide every game of chess in a sporting fashion. Will it catch on? |
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Draws forbidden in Super-GM tournaments 01.04.2005 – When a bunch of world class players get together for a tournament the danger is that there will be a lot of draws. A new organiser who is staging a Super GM event in Sofia, Bulgaria, has come up with a new idea: ban draw offers. The participants have to play on until the arbiter says they can stop. Will this become a fixed feature in chess events? |
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Short on draws 18.03.2004 – "I know that with perfect play, God versus God, Fritz versus Fritz, chess is a draw," writes Nigel Short, who describes a deadly disease called Severe Acute Drawitis. "Those afflicted with SAD display an uncontrollable urge to offer or accept premature peace proposals." Read about it in Nigel's highly entertaining Sunday Telegraph column. |
