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I recently directed a tournament at my local club when a great controversy brook out on a game between 2 USCF experts that had first place implications. The prizes were first $60, second $50 under 2000 $50.
I was the chief TD and was playing one of two assistant TD's. We hoped that the winner of our game would get second. The other assistant TD was already watching the game between the experts when one claimed no losing chances in time trouble. My assistant TD summoned me to make a ruling. I was on move and in time pressure. The time control was game 50 with 5 sec. added per move. My opponent immediately left our game. Although at that point I had no idea what the issue was, I felt confident he would make the proper ruling. He returned to our game and stopped our clock.
When he stopped my clock I had to suspend my temporary deafness. When I play chess I enjoy a 60db reduction in my hearing. What could the problem be that both assistant TD'S thought required the Chief TD. A disputed ruling would go to the TD committee. But the 3 of us are the committee. If both assistants agreed and if I over ruled them they would out vote me in committee.
When I arrive black claims no losing chances. He has 3 minor pieces 5 pawns vs rook knight no pawns. They are using an analog clock. Black's flag is horizontal.
I wanted to say, "2 Experts and neither has a digital clock. Double Forfeit!" But, "Invented new rule at critical moment," is a bad epitaph for a TD. So I tell white that black's claim implies an offer of a draw. And ask if he accepts. White accepts. A bystander calls me a genius.
If white had not accepted a draw they would have continued with a delay clock. I think TD should avoid the winning chances evaluation. Leave position evaluation to the players. Black would have won easily with a delay clock.
I return to my game. I resume my temporary deafness. Guide my bishop and 6 pawns to victory over a knight and 5 pawns. I share $100 with those experts and a class A player that quickly dispatched his opponent, left and missed all the drama. My friend resting on his 1900 rating floor got a bye in the first round and won clear first with 3 out of 4. The top 2 rated players 2275 and 2130 scored less than 2 and a half. My friend applied half his prize to the debt he owes me. I began the night with 0.5 out 2, ended with an extra $55.
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